LATEST ALERTS
New book aims to debunk vaping myths
16th March 2018 - News analysis |
Polish scientist Professor Andrzej Sobczak has published a book about the health impact of e-cigarettes and aims to combat fear-mongering headlines
Nicotine
FDA moves on nicotine levels in combustibles, while leaving e-cigs alone
15th March 2018 - News analysis |
The US FDA has taken a step closer to regulating nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes, but excluded vapour products from its proposals, even predicting a low-nicotine regime might encourage smokers toward electronic alternatives
Shrunk by regulation, but going steady: Italy market report
15th March 2018 - Country market reports , Market reports |
Our latest report on the state of the e-cigarette market in Italy finds that strict regulation has caused a fall in the size of the market – but not as steep as the fall in vaper numbers, as those still vaping are paying more
Wholesale or volume taxes: a state-by-state analysis of US vapour taxation
7th March 2018 - Regulatory reports , Topic regulatory reports |
Eight US states currently tax e-cigarettes: five apply a volume tax, at a rate per ml of consumable product; three apply a wholesale tax, based on price sold at wholesale in the state – and several other states have tax proposals on the table
Tobacconists’ e-cig sales set to rise further: France market report
5th March 2018 - Country market reports , Market reports |
France is a mature e-cig market that is growing at a stable pace. The main distribution channel for vapour products is around 2500 vape stores but we expect sales to increase significantly in tobacconists
Indian state of Bihar bans nicotine-containing e-cigs and e-hookahs
1st March 2018 - News analysis |
Bihar has become the latest Indian state to place a blanket ban on all forms of e-cigarettes and related items, joining at least five others
New product enables legal e-liquid sampling in the US
23rd February 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
A US advocacy and consulting group believes it has come up with a product that enables consumers to sample e-liquid and still conform to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) sampling restrictions. The Cating Group launched its “Sample Sticks” in December last year.
Canada’s health minister supports e-cig advertising ban
23rd February 2018 - News analysis |
The federal health minister for Canada has called for “clear restrictions” on e-cigarette advertising and the need to keep young people from taking up e-cigs. The move is a turnaround from the stance of the previous health minister.
Open system users and e-liquid decisions: US consumer survey
22nd February 2018 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
This report, which focuses on consumer e-liquid choices, is the third in a series of studies dealing with the product choices and behaviour of open system vaping consumers in the US
As cigarette sales fall, PMI and JT plan further HnB investment
16th February 2018 - News analysis |
As tobacco giants Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco (JT) have been hit by falling tobacco sales, revenues from their e-cigarette and heat-not-burn (HnB) portfolios have increased. As they plan further investments to increase their market presence, 2018 should prove to be an interesting year for HnB products.
Heat-not-burn products rise as cigarette sales fall in Japan
9th February 2018 - News analysis |
Reduced-risk products have severely impacted sales of conventional cigarettes in Japan, according to Japan Tobacco. The firm says the total value of cigarette sales fell by 12.5% in 2017
Public Health England blames the media for giving vaping a bad name
7th February 2018 - News analysis |
The latest evidence review by Public Health England credits e-cigs with helping 20,000 people a year quit smoking, and blames distorted media reporting for that figure not being a lot higher
Of mice and men – and whether e-cig ‘smoke’ may be linked to cancer
6th February 2018 - News analysis |
A widely publicised New York report concludes that e-cig “smoke…may contribute to lung and bladder cancer, as well as heart disease, in humans” – but other scientists question the validity of research carried out on laboratory mice
Greece regulatory report: cross-border ban details and a legal challenge
2nd February 2018 - Country regulatory reports , Regulatory reports |
Our updated report on the current state of e-cigarette regulation in Greece includes interpretation from the customs authority on what is covered by the cross-border distance sales ban and news of a legal challenge to the ban on public vaping
Will the Hawaiian Senate pass its online sales ban?
2nd February 2018 - News analysis |
The Hawaiian senate is considering two bills, which could prohibit online sales of e-cigarette products if passed. One could also subject e-liquids to the same excise tax as tobacco products.
International brands make deep inroads into South African market
30th January 2018 - Country market reports , Market reports |
Our study of the online market in South Africa, where e-cigarettes have gained a good deal of traction over the past year, analyses brands, products and prices on the country’s 20 leading e-cig websites
Under Russian influence: e-cig markets in the Eurasian Economic Union
25th January 2018 - Country market reports , Market reports |
Our report considers how the free flow of goods, common customs tariff and cancellation of customs formalities affects the e-cigarette market within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia
Online sales now banned: Italy regulatory report
25th January 2018 - Country regulatory reports , Regulatory reports |
In our latest look at the Italian market, we see that distance sales, including domestic and cross-border, are now banned under the latest amendment (known as the “Vicari amendment”) approved in the Italian parliament
Vape Force One hits the road in pursuit of legalising nicotine e-cigs in Australia
22nd January 2018 - News analysis |
An Australian campaign to legalise the domestic sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids in the country faces a difficult challenge as opposing opinions solidify
Facing a taxing future: Russia vape store survey
22nd January 2018 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
Our latest survey of vape stores in Russia looks at the revenue shares attributed to the best-selling e-cigarette hardware and e-liquids, and sounds out store managers on how optimistic they are in the shadow of rising taxes
New views on nicotine: now the FDA is reconsidering NRT, too
16th January 2018 - News analysis |
As the US FDA gets to grips with its new focus on nicotine as a single marketplace, it is planning to take a fresh look at one of the longest-established non-combustible forms of the substance – nicotine replacement therapy
A possible route to ‘reduced risk’ status for e-cigs in the EU?
10th January 2018 - News analysis |
While all but one of the EU’s member states have interpreted the TPD as banning all claims of health benefits from e-cigarettes, there may be scope for a “reduced risk” classification without the need of medical licensing
New Zealand softens towards vaping, while Australia stands its ground
10th January 2018 - News analysis |
While Australian regulation remains firm in its resistance to e-cigarettes, a more conciliatory approach in New Zealand is leading to a divergence between the two markets
The rise and rise of shake and vape
10th January 2018 - News analysis |
The popularity of shake and vape – adding nicotine shots to nicotine-free e-liquids – is increasing throughout Europe, as detailed in an ECigIntelligence report into the market in Germany
Baltic states agree to join forces in opposition to e-cigarette use
8th January 2018 - News analysis |
Health ministers of Europe’s Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have signed a joint memorandum of intent to share “strong policies” on e-cigarette trade and usage
Shake and vape products represent almost third of Italian online market
5th January 2018 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
In our latest look at the Italian market, we find that ready-to-use e-liquids, especially 10ml bottles, are the most common bottle sizes stocked on the top five websites, while 28% of the e-liquid products found at the top five online retailers are shake and vape products. Recently, Italy banned online nicotine sales and websites appear to have generally complied with the law
Limiting youth access: Arizona, Maricopa County and Phoenix regulatory report
3rd January 2018 - Country regulatory reports , Regulatory reports |
E-cigarette regulation in Arizona and its state capital, Phoenix, is almost non-existent, with the exception of limiting access to those aged 18 or above
How the web giants negotiate the global complexities of e-cig regulation
3rd January 2018 - News analysis |
An ECigIntelligence report considers the impact of the internet’s mega-retailers and the various ways they negotiate regulations which vary in detail and severity from country to country
Re-drawn law less stringent than TPD: updated Switzerland regulatory report
2nd January 2018 - Country regulatory reports , Regulatory reports |
Our updated report looks at the newly re-drafted tobacco law that is likely to form the basis of future regulation of e-cigarettes and HnB products in a country that is in Europe but outside the EU
France online price tracking: products and prices on the top five websites
2nd January 2018 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
Our latest report on the top five e-cigarette retail websites in France considers pricing and product ranges on Lepetitvapoteur.com, Taklope.com, Aromes-et-liquides.fr, E-liquide-fr.com and Kumulusvape.fr
Regulation, creativity and variety – that was the e-cig year that was
27th December 2017 - News analysis |
ECigIntelligence’s review of the year gone by reflects the big stories of the e-cigarette world in 2017, the trends in regulation, the developing and diverging markets, the science and innovation, and peers into the crystal ball to consider where it all goes from here
Taiwan moves towards a total ban on all e-cigarette products
18th December 2017 - News analysis |
A proposed amendment to Taiwanese law would impose a total ban on the manufacture, importation, sale or advertising of all e-cigarette products, closing down entirely a business that currently supports an estimated 200,000 vapers
Switzerland tries again with fresh proposal to regulate e-cigs and HnB
14th December 2017 - News analysis |
The Swiss Federal Council has put forward a second draft of its proposed Tobacco Act, which aims specifically to regulate e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn (HnB) devices
Italy bans the online sale of nicotine-containing e-cig products
11th December 2017 - News analysis |
Online sales of nicotine-containing e-cigarette products have been banned in Italy following the adoption by the Chamber of Deputies of the so-called Vicari Amendment
Could the TPD allow for reduced-risk claims?
6th December 2017 - Regulatory reports , Topic regulatory reports |
Nearly all EU member states have interpreted article 13 of the European TPD to ban all claims related to health in the absence of a medical certificate. However, there may be a pathway to a reduced-risk classification.
Switzerland set for another step on the slow road to legal nicotine e-cigs
6th December 2017 - News analysis |
Switzerland is about to take another step on the road towards legalising nicotine e-cigs – but it’s a long, slow road that could lead to tough regulation
Swiss market dominated by open advanced systems
5th December 2017 - Market reports |
The Swiss market is dominated by open advanced systems mostly purchased offline. Due to the country’s nicotine ban Switzerland seems an ideal market for shake and vape e-liquids. Foreign shake and vape e-liquids, mostly imported from the U.S., are at the forefront, but several domestic e-liquid brands also produce large format nicotine-free e-liquids.
FDA extends deadline for Philip Morris IQOS comments
4th December 2017 - News analysis |
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for comments on Philip Morris International’s (PMI’s) modified risk tobacco product application (MRTPA) for its IQOS heated tobacco device and Heatstick consumables.
Businesses feel the impact of California’s increased vapour tax
4th December 2017 - News analysis |
A new Californian tax on vaping products containing nicotine has already had an impact on businesses in the US state.
Heated tobacco on the agenda as European Commission mulls next TPD
2nd December 2017 - News analysis |
Tighter regulation “is on the way” for e-cigs, according to the European Commission’s commissioner for health and food safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, who sees “possibilities” for “stronger regulation” to “stop advertising and online sales”
E-liquids enjoy a zero-tax regime: Croatia regulatory report
30th November 2017 - Country regulatory reports , Regulatory reports |
Unlike its Balkan neighbours Slovenia and Serbia, Croatia – one of the last countries in Europe to transpose the TPD – puts a zero rate of tax on e-liquids
E-liquid market fragmented in Poland
29th November 2017 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
In our latest look at Poland, we find that fewer than 10% of respondents have been running their business for less than a year, which indicates fewer entrants into the sector following implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The Polish e-liquid market is highly fragmented, with the top 12 brands accounting for only 55% of total quoted best-selling brand mentions. The leading brand is Pinky Vape, while the hardware device sector is more consolidated.
Popularity of shake and vape on the rise in Germany
29th November 2017 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
As shake and vape grows in popularity, ECigIntelligence takes a look at the German market in detail and finds that experienced vapers in Germany mostly use their own-mixed e-liquids, which can help in avoiding TPD restrictions for e-liquid-containing nicotine. This trend seems to have grown in Germany since May 2017, and almost half of the e-liquid brands sold in Germany are ready to mix.
Changing times down under: outlook brighter in New Zealand than Australia
29th November 2017 - Country market reports , Market reports |
With fewer smokers than in other countries, there is less scope for e-cigarettes to flourish in either country – but legal changes afoot in New Zealand reveal a more positive attitude to vaping than in Australia
Licensing scheme for importers will legalise and control Indonesian e-cig trade
22nd November 2017 - News analysis |
Indonesia is to legalise the importation of nicotine-containing e-liquids – in order to reduce it. Along with a new tax, the move will bring clarity to a trade that has existed in a grey area up to now
Is shake and vape a ticking time-bomb for the vaping industry?
22nd November 2017 - News analysis |
The increasingly popular practice of “shake and vape” poses a threat to the e-cigarette industry, according to speakers and delegates at a recent conference
Italy consumer survey: low-nicotine e-liquids prove most popular
22nd November 2017 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
Our consumer survey took place from September to October 2017. Most respondents were ex-smokers, with around a third vaping for more than two years. The majority of our respondents where male and aged between 25 and 44.
We found that advanced devices dominate, and more than 60% of respondents are mixing their own e-liquid. E-liquids containing low nicotine content are reportedly the most popular.
New regulatory initiatives create uncertainty in Italian e-cigarette market
17th November 2017 - Regulatory reports , Topic regulatory reports |
Uncertainty surrounds the Italian e-cigarette market, following a number of recent regulatory decisions and initiatives. These include a court decision on the long-running issue of whether to tax nicotine-free e-liquids; proposals to ban online sales and limit offline sales; a range of potential new tax regimes; and new powers to shut down non-compliant online sellers.
France consumer survey: home is where the heart is for e-liquids
16th November 2017 - Market reports , Topic market reports |
Our latest survey of French e-cigarette users finds vape stores are a very popular retail channel for e-liquids, while hardware purchases are predominately made online.
Italy’s Constitutional Court rules that it’s OK after all to tax nicotine-free e-liquid
16th November 2017 - News analysis |
The Italian Constitutional Court in Rome has ruled that taxing non-nicotine e-liquids is legitimate, ending a temporary suspension imposed in 2015 by a lower court
