1. Australia Seizes Over 600,000 Illegal Vapes Through Joint Intelligence Operation
According to Marinelink (23 November), Australian authorities have intercepted more than 600,000 illicit vape units, valued at roughly AUD 30 million, following an extensive international intelligence collaboration.
Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) stationed in Beijing worked with overseas partners to identify nearly 70 high-risk shipping containers. The shipments—mostly arriving in New South Wales ports between September and October 2025—were disguised as everyday goods such as glass bottles, lighting fixtures, toy cars, sports balls, curtains, and books.
The seizure adds to a record-setting year. Through international referrals alone in 2025, ABF has intercepted:
- 524 million cigarettes
- More than 1 million vape devices
- 918 tonnes of loose tobacco
ABF officials emphasized a strategy of “upstream disruption”—intervening as early as possible at the source to prevent illegal products from reaching Australia’s borders. The agency noted that this latest operation reflects a deeper understanding of emerging threat patterns and strengthens its ability to identify suspicious cargo.
The bust follows a 2024 intelligence-led operation that uncovered 691,000 vapes, then the largest in Australia’s history.
2. Philippines Department of Health Pushes for Nationwide Vape Ban
As reported by the Philippine News Agency on 22 November, the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) is urging the government to implement a nationwide ban on vaping products, warning that e-cigarettes and their aerosols pose serious health risks.
The DOH stated that vapes contain harmful chemicals linked to lung disease, cardiovascular issues, and cancer, and criticized industry claims that the products are “safer” or “nicotine-free.” Officials highlighted that colorful packaging and sweet flavors are driving youth uptake—an issue underscored by the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which found 7 in 10 Filipino adolescents aged 13–15 had tried vaping.
The country recently recorded its first vape-related death. The DOH is working with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and conducting public health campaigns in schools and communities.
3. Ireland Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes
The Irish government has formally approved legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes, according to BBC News (19 November). The upcoming Public Health (Disposable Vaping Devices) Bill 2025 will prohibit retailers from selling single-use vape products, aligning Ireland with Northern Ireland, where a similar ban takes effect in April 2025.
In Northern Ireland, violations can result in up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to £5,000.
The Irish legislation will also:
- Ban the sale of nicotine products—including nicotine pouches—to anyone under 18
- Prohibit all forms of advertising
- Prevent retailers from openly displaying nicotine products
- Introduce standardized rules for packaging, product appearance, flavoring, and in-store presentation
Government officials said the measures aim to reduce the appeal of vaping among young people and address the growing market for emerging nicotine products. The Minister for Health pledged rapid implementation of the new rules.
4. Cambodia Enforces Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Shisha
Khmer Times (20 November) reports that Cambodia has imposed a nationwide ban on the import, sale, advertising, production, storage, and use of e-cigarettes and shisha (waterpipes).
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Tourism, enforces the government’s earlier decree (Sub-Decree No. 02 BB, dated 21 October), and applies to public institutions, civil servants, tourism businesses, schools, and other public spaces.
Penalties include:
- First offense: verbal warning and confiscation
- Repeat offenses: written warnings, mandatory compliance agreements, and administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of business licenses
Authorities warn that many e-cigarettes contain extremely high nicotine levels and may pose greater risks than traditional cigarettes, especially when used alongside cannabis or other substances. Shisha smoking, they noted, releases large volumes of toxic compounds associated with lung disease, heart disease, cancer, premature birth, and infertility.
The government said strict enforcement is necessary to protect youth, maintain social order, and safeguard the country’s international tourism reputation.