UK bans single-use vapes from 1 June 2025
From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses in the United Kingdom to sell or supply all single-use or "disposable" vapes. Only reusable vapes are allowed for sale.
As U.S. authorities intensify their crackdown on unauthorized e-cigarette products, several vape companies are altering their business models and corporate structures—efforts that are complicating regulatory enforcement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that it is closely monitoring instances where firms change product labeling or shift operations offshore in order to avoid detection. For example, Chinese vape giant Heaven Gifts has transferred the U.S. operations of its Lost Mary brand to a British Virgin Islands (BVI) firm, Wonder Ladies Limited, after the FDA banned several companies, including those linked to Elfbar, from importing products in 2023. Lost Mary remains widely available in the United States, with its packaging now displaying the BVI firm's name and address.
Similarly, Texas-based Ludicrous Distro, operating as American Vape Company, has ceased selling its own unlicensed Esco Bars and now exclusively distributes unauthorized devices from third parties. A representative from Ludicrous Distro declined to elaborate on the shift, but maintained that the company has consistently sought to comply with evolving FDA policies despite ongoing regulatory confusion.
The FDA’s efforts to restrict unauthorized vaping products have been hampered by funding limitations and recent staff dismissals amid broader federal downsizing initiatives. To date, the regulator has authorized only 34 tobacco- and menthol-flavored vape products - exclusively from major tobacco firms - even as numerous unapproved products, including brands like Elfbar, Lost Mary, and Esco Bars, continue to dominate the U.S. market.
Industry competitors are also taking notice. British American Tobacco has launched complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission against various vape brands and associated manufacturers, naming several BVI firms - including Wonder Ladies and others tied to Heaven Gifts - as part of alleged unfair competition and patent infringement cases. Representatives from BAT have declined to comment on the matter.
While companies like Heaven Gifts insist that their corporate restructurings are lawful and do not intend to sidestep FDA regulations, critics argue that such maneuvers serve to obscure accountability and protect revenue streams from enforcement actions. A former official at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives suggested that distancing vape brands from their manufacturers via offshore entities could become a widespread tactic.
As U.S. regulators grapple with these evolving strategies, the ongoing enforcement challenge highlights the broader difficulties in policing a rapidly changing market where unauthorized products continue to thrive despite stringent rules.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Russia, the world's second-largest oil exporter, on Wednesday imposed restrictions on another major oil export route, suspending a mooring at the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk only a day after restricting loadings from a key Caspian pipeline.
Samsung has appointed Roh Tae-moon as interim head of its consumer and smartphone unit following the passing of Han Jong-hee. With CEO Jun Young-hyun now solely leading the company, Samsung faces key challenges in its chip business and rising competition.
The Swiss government announced on Tuesday that the value of Russian assets frozen in the country has risen to 7.4 billion Swiss francs ($8.38 billion) by the end of March 2025, up from 5.8 billion francs last year, due to newly identified funds and ongoing investigations into sanctions violations.
Mark Carney and Claudia Sheinbaum discussed trade and investment ties on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to strengthen North American competitiveness while respecting national sovereignty.
President Donald Trump said a deal with TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to sell the short video app used by 170 million Americans would be struck before a deadline on Saturday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment