The European Commission is reportedly planning a total ban on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches at the upcoming WHO COP11 conference, sparking strong backlash from the vape industry. Learn how other countries — from the Philippines to the U.S. and Malaysia — are tightening vape regulations in 2025.
1. EU Commission Pushes for Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
Brussels, October 9, 2025 —
A leaked internal document from the European Commission reveals that the EU is preparing to support a complete ban on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches during the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) COP11 conference, scheduled for November 17–22 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The document, submitted to the EU Working Party on Public Health on October 7, outlines the Commission’s proposed position for COP11. Under agenda item 4.5, it states:
“Reaffirm support for strict regulation of ENDS/ENNDS and nicotine pouches, which may include a comprehensive ban, particularly to protect children and adolescents.”
This statement signals that the EU is leaving open the policy path toward an outright ban on all vaping and nicotine pouch products.
Industry Reactions: “Ideology Over Science”
Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA), condemned the draft proposal, calling it “a deliberate denial of scientific facts” and “a step backward for harm reduction.”
“A full ban would destroy years of progress in tobacco harm reduction across Europe,” Landl said. “Millions of adults trying to quit smoking will lose access to safer alternatives, leading to unnecessary harm and death.”
Critics argue that the proposal violates the FCTC’s Article 1(d), which defines tobacco control as encompassing demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction. The EU’s position, they claim, ignores harm reduction principles — one of the pillars of modern public health policy.
The WVA is urging EU member states to oppose the proposal and uphold science-based regulation:
“Harm reduction is the only responsible public health path. Europe must not turn its back on evidence and progress.”
2. Philippines to Ban Open-System Vapes and Uncertified E-Liquids
According to Newsbyte Philippines (October 9, 2025), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is preparing to prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of open-system vape devices and non-certified e-liquids due to growing safety and health concerns.
Open Pod Systems Under Fire
“Open pod” devices allow users to refill their own e-liquid, often from unregulated sources. The DTI says such products pose safety and contamination risks and will soon fall under a national ban.
First Affected Brands and Models
The DTI confirmed that Phantom Vape Group has voluntarily narrowed the scope of its Philippine Standards (PS) License No. Q-00002 to exclude several devices under the VAGEND brand, including:
- VPRIME Device
- XLIM PRO 2 Device
- NEXLIM Device
- XLIM GO Device
- XLIM SQ PRO 2 Device
These products can no longer be manufactured, imported, or sold in the Philippines.
Triggering Incident: Synthetic Cannabinoids Found
The move follows reports from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) that some vape products, such as the Tuklaw brand, allegedly contained synthetic cannabinoids (chemical compounds mimicking THC), prompting a nationwide safety review.
The DTI’s Office of Special Missions on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV) is finalizing a nationwide ban order expected to take effect before the end of the year.
Consumers and retailers can verify legitimate brands through the official list of Certified Philippine Standards License Holders on the DTI-OSMV website.
3. South Australia’s “Operation Shutdown” Seizes $4.2 Million in Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Adelaide, October 2, 2025 —The Government of South Australia has intensified its crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping sales, revealing that its “Operation Shutdown” has closed 71 stores and seized AUD 4.2 million worth of products since new laws came into effect on June 5.
Authorities confiscated:
- 3,376,290 illegal cigarettes
- 10,667 vapes
- 1.1 tons of loose tobacco
Led by the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) department, the operation represents one of the largest coordinated enforcement efforts across the nation.
Over the past four years, Australian border seizures of illegal cigarettes have risen by 320%, and the federal government has allocated AUD 345 million since January 2024 to strengthen enforcement and cross-border cooperation.
4. U.S. DOJ and FDA Seize Over 2.1 Million Illegal Vapes
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide enforcement action on September 30, resulting in the seizure of more than 2.1 million unauthorized flavored vape products across seven states.
The operation, executed by the U.S. Marshals Service and ATF, targeted 11 companies — five distributors and six retailers — that continued selling unapproved vape products despite prior FDA warning letters.
Companies Involved
The DOJ filed civil injunctions and seizure cases against companies including:
- Florida: Tampa Vapor, Rainbow Food Mart, Marathon/Food Center, Blvd Smoke Shop, UGAS/Circle K
- California: Smoke House Sunset
- Georgia: Strictly E-Cig
- New Jersey: Center Point Distributors, Gorilla Vapes
- Arizona: Vaportech Wholesale
- Illinois: Midwest Distribution
- North Carolina: Dream Distro
Federal Officials Respond
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated:
“Many of these illegal vapes were smuggled from China and sold near schools and military bases. This is not just a public health concern — it’s a national security issue.”
Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, added:
“Over two million unauthorized products have been removed from the market — a clear message of our commitment to protecting youth and rebuilding a healthier America.”
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all new tobacco and vaping products must obtain Premarket Authorization (PMTA) before being legally marketed in the United States.
5. Malaysia Plans to Raise Vape E-Liquid Tax by 1000%
Kuala Lumpur, October 8, 2025 —
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed a dramatic tenfold tax increase on vape e-liquids — from RM 0.40 to RM 4.00 per milliliter (approx. USD 0.94) — as part of a broader plan to align vaping taxes with traditional cigarettes.
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni told Parliament that the move is designed to “ensure tax parity” and reduce the incentive for smokers to switch solely for economic reasons.
“A pack of 20 cigarettes equals about 200 puffs, while 1ml of e-liquid equals roughly 100 puffs,” he explained. “Currently, nicotine tax on e-liquids is only one-tenth of that on cigarettes.”
Industry Strongly Opposes the Move
The Malaysia Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) criticized the proposal as “excessively aggressive,” warning it could fuel black-market activity.
MVCC Secretary-General Ridhwan Rosli said:
“Legitimate companies are already bearing heavy compliance costs. A tenfold tax increase will punish law-abiding businesses and reward smugglers.”
The industry suggests a more moderate upper cap of RM 0.80 per milliliter, emphasizing that regulatory stability is key to sustainable compliance and investment.
Meanwhile, Lukanisman confirmed that the government’s plan to fully ban all vape products remains under review and could be submitted to the Cabinet before year-end.
Conclusion: A Global Wave of Vape Regulation
From the EU’s proposed total ban to Asia-Pacific tax hikes and enforcement actions, 2025 marks a turning point for the global vape industry.
While governments cite youth protection and public health, industry advocates warn that outright bans may backfire, driving consumers toward unregulated products and undermining harm-reduction progress.
The debate between public health protection and personal freedom is far from over — and what happens at WHO COP11 may reshape the future of vaping worldwide.