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View allAlternative tobacco and nicotine products in Asia
News analysis
Global business and regulatory news covering the alternative tobacco industry
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7th December 2023
Bahrain: The National Bureau of Revenue has announced the imminent implementation of the final phase of the distinctive mark system (digital stamp). Under decision 3/2023, from 24th December 2023 the possession, trade, supply and sale of heated tobacco products (HTPs) without a digital stamp will be prohibited.30th November 2023
Kuwait: Deputy prime minister Essa Al-Kandari’s letter requesting the urgent ratification of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Unilateral Tax Agreement was not discussed during the ordinary session of the National Assembly, as the government withdrew the request. The tax imposed on tobacco products will remain unchanged.
28th November 2023
- Kuwait: Today, the National Assembly will discuss deputy prime minister Essa Al-Kandari’s request for the urgent ratification of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Unilateral Tax Agreement. If passed, an ad valorem excise tax at a rate of 100% of the retail sale price will be applicable for heated tobacco sticks and their hardware.
13th November 2023
- Jordan: Prime minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh issued a decision to enforce compliance with law 47/2008 on Public Health prohibiting smoking, vaping and heated tobacco use in public places, press reports. The decision also directs ministries, institutions, and government departments to enforce public usage restrictions by establishing effective controls, monitoring compliance, and enforcing penalties against violators.
9th November 2023
- South Korea: The Tobacco Harmful Ingredients Disclose Bill was signed into law by the Cabinet on 31st October. The bill obliges manufacturers and importers of all tobacco and nicotine products to test every product for harmful ingredients every two years and submit the results, alongside information on raw materials and additives used, to the Ministry of Health. These requirements enter into force on 1st November 2025.
7th November 2023
- Vietnam: In response to questions from the National Assembly, the minister of trade said that a proposal to include next-generation tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, in decree 67/2013/ND-CP will be submitted to the prime minister in the “fourth quarter of this year”. The decree set rules for tobacco products and trade. The minister added that the proposal is close to the ban previously proposed by the Ministry of Health and ensures strict compliance with the national strategy to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco.
7th November 2023
Turkey: Member of parliament (MP) Kayıhan Pala of the Republican People’s Party has emphasised that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are being portrayed as harmless, despite potential health risks. Pala argued that these products might pose harm comparable to – if not greater than – traditional cigarettes, press reports.
6th November 2023
- Malaysia: The government has decided to drop the ban on the usage and sale of tobacco and vaping products to anyone born on or after 1st January 2007 from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023. The decision was taken due to attorney general Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh’s opinion of the Generational Endgame (GEG) policy as unconstitutional, press reports. The bill would still introduce labelling and reporting requirements, as well as advertising restrictions for vaping and tobacco products.
18th October 2023
- Lebanon: The Tobacco Authority has published an updated list of heated tobacco product prices in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 151/1959, which establishes a state monopoly on tobacco. The new heated tobacco prices per unit are: LBP118,250 ($7.88) for Fiit, LBP149,250 ($9.94) for Nuso, LBP159,750 ($10.64) for Heets, and LBP224,000 ($14.92) for Heets Dimensions.
16th October 2023
- Vietnam: At a seminar held last week, deputies from the Ministry of Health supported a ban on the trade and import of new tobacco products. One of the ministry's deputies said that in the near future, the Ministry of Health will prepare a draft resolution to be submitted to the National Assembly.
13th October 2023
- Malaysia: The Ministry of Health has launched a survey to gauge public opinion on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which proposes a ban on the sale and usage of tobacco and vaping products to anyone born on or after 1st January 2007, media reports. The survey is open to all Malaysian citizens and will be conducted through the MySejahtera app, which links to identity card numbers. Respondents will be asked five yes/no questions about their stance on smoking, vaping, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, and on the generational endgame proposed by the bill. It is unclear if the survey will lead to a further delay of the bill’s tabling in the parliament for a second reading.
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