1. Ireland: New Retail Licensing Scheme Officially Launched

The trade association for the e-cigarette retail industry indicated that a "serious enforcement campaign" is urgently needed against retailers violating the new licensing system for tobacco and nicotine products.

BAT stated that the new retail licensing scheme for tobacco and nicotine inhalation products (such as e-cigarettes) should cover nicotine pouches.

The law officially took effect on February 2.

According to regulations published in January 2025:

* A license fee of €1,000 per year is required to sell tobacco products.

* A license fee of €800 per year is required to sell nicotine inhalation products (including e-cigarettes). 

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the e-cigarette retailer industry body, stated the scheme will only be truly effective if accompanied by "tough enforcement against non-compliant operators," particularly targeting mobile phone shops illegally selling e-cigarettes. 

RVI pointed out that mobile phone shops selling e-cigarettes have been identified as a significant source for minors accessing e-cigarettes and selling non-compliant, illegal products. It called on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to prioritize enforcement. 

The association stated it represents over 3,500 e-cigarette retailers and "strongly supports" the introduction of the licensing scheme, believing it helps address issues like youth access to e-cigarettes, excise duty enforcement, and curbing the expansion of the black market.

2. Russia to Implement "Non-Judicial Blocking" of Websites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online from March 1, 2026 

According to Russian media RIA Novosti, Russia will implement measures to block websites selling tobacco and nicotine-containing products online without a court decision from March 1, 2026.

Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy and federal coordinator of the United Russia party's "Digital Russia" project, stated this move aims to strengthen digital regulation and protect public health, particularly by cutting off online access channels that could be used by minors.

Nemkin pointed out that non-judicial blocking will significantly speed up enforcement efficiency. Under the previous mechanism relying on court decisions, the entire process could take months, during which relevant websites often continued operating by changing domain names. Directly including offending websites in the register of prohibited information allows regulators to respond more quickly, improve compliance outcomes, reduce the burden on courts, while maintaining a clear and formal legal basis for blocking.

He also emphasized that the policy expands the responsibility of website operators and social platforms in content moderation. The goal of the new mechanism is to shift enforcement focus from "post-event handling" to "preventive regulation," pushing platforms to take compliance obligations more seriously. Nemkin analogized this approach to previous regulatory actions against online alcohol sales (including on e-commerce platforms and social media), considering these measures proven effective in practice.

Besides website blocking, the law also involves domain stability and secure use, and regulates the domain registration process, aiming to enhance the transparency of digital infrastructure and reduce the scope for circumventing regulation through technical loopholes.

He positioned these adjustments as part of a broader trend: stricter controls over socially sensitive goods circulating online, coupled with the simultaneous development of digital identification and age verification tools to make enforcement more efficient and rules more predictable for platforms and businesses.

3. Netherlands: Proposes Raising Legal Purchase Age for Tobacco and E-Cigarettes to 21

The Netherlands' newly formed minority government published its coalition agreement for 2026-2030, proposing to raise the legal purchase age for tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21, while also making possession of illegal e-cigarettes a criminal offense, aiming to reduce nicotine use among young people and create a smoke-free generation.

Signed by the three parties D66, VVD, and CDA, the new rule is part of the government's strict control measures targeting the rapid spread of e-cigarette use among adolescents. The core goal is to raise the threshold for accessing nicotine products and delay the age at which young people first encounter nicotine.

While traditional cigarette use has slightly declined in the Netherlands in recent years, flavored, colorful e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents. Some young people hold the misconception that e-cigarettes are "less harmful," a significant background factor for these controls.

Psychology and addiction experts had previously called for raising the purchase age for tobacco and e-cigarettes to 21, arguing that ages 18-21 are a critical period for nicotine addiction. Exposure to nicotine during this stage carries a higher risk of developing long-term dependence, and the addictive potential of nicotine in e-cigarettes cannot be ignored.

This new regulation is a continuation of tobacco control policies under the Dutch *National Prevention Agreement*. The government's long-term goal is to achieve a smoke-free generation by 2040, supported by existing measures such as cigarette advertising restrictions, packaging regulations, and public place smoking bans.

4. Norway: Ban on Cross-Border Distance Sales of Nicotine Products by Private Individuals from January 1, 2026 

On January 28, 2026, Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) disclosed that the country has implemented a ban on cross-border distance sales of nicotine products by private individuals since January 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening the regulation of tobacco and nicotine products and standardizing market circulation order. Illegally imported goods will face severe penalties.

* From January 1, 2026, Norway officially prohibits private individuals from ordering tobacco and nicotine products from abroad via remote methods such as online, phone, or mail. When the buyer and seller are in different countries at the time of ordering, it is considered a "cross-border distance sale."

* The ban covers a wide range of products including cigarettes, snuff, nicotine e-cigarettes, e-liquids, heated tobacco products, waterpipe tobacco, and also includes packaging items used to conceal health warnings. Products previously restricted are also covered by the new regulations.

* Exceptions allowed for import: herbal mixtures and snus containing no tobacco or nicotine; nicotine-free e-cigarettes with tobacco flavor; individuals may import nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as smoking cessation products, but must comply with pharmaceutical regulations.

* All private individuals without a Norwegian tobacco import license are subject to the ban. Goods imported in violation will be seized, confiscated, and destroyed by Norwegian Customs, with no compensation provided.

The ban is based on a resolution by the Norwegian Parliament, with relevant provisions contained in Section 21b of the Tobacco Harm Act (Tobakksskadeloven) and related amendments.

5. USA: Kansas Senate Proposes Bill to Establish E-Cigarette Manufacturer Licensing System and Improve Production & Sales Regulations 

On January 27, 2026, the Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs held a hearing on Senate Bill 355, which proposes requiring e-cigarette manufacturers to obtain a state license to operate, while also regulating the wholesale and distribution aspects of e-cigarettes.

* The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 21, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs on January 22. It is currently awaiting a committee vote before being sent to the full Senate for debate.

* Manufacturers would need to apply for a license from the Director of Taxation, submit detailed business information, pay an annual license fee of $500 (half for applications after June 30), and file a surety bond to ensure payment of taxes and penalties. Licenses expire annually on December 31 and are non-transferable.

* The bill amends the Kansas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act, requiring both parties in e-cigarette production and sales transactions to hold valid licenses. Online sales would require age verification for purchasers and retention of relevant proof. Violations could result in misdemeanor or felony charges and fines.

6. Australia: Victoria Launches Tobacco Licensing Scheme - Mandatory from February 1

Reported by tobaccoreporter on January 17

On January 28, 2026, the Victorian Government in Australia launched a new tobacco licensing scheme, requiring all tobacco retailers and wholesalers to apply for a license by February 1. From February 1, the license becomes mandatory, and selling tobacco without a license will face heavy penalties.

* License applications opened on July 1, 2025. Over 3,300 applications have been received to date. The annual license fee is A$1,175.20 for applications submitted before June 30, 2026, and A$829.60 for applications after June 30. Licenses are valid until June 30, 2027.

* Penalties are severe: Individuals selling tobacco without a license face a maximum fine of A$170,948.40 or up to 5 years imprisonment; corporations face a maximum fine of A$854,000. Individuals selling illegal tobacco face a maximum fine of A$366,318 or up to 15 years imprisonment; corporations face a maximum fine of A$1.8 million.

* Enforcement is led by Tobacco Licensing Victoria, staffed with 14 inspectors. It will collaborate with Victoria Police to gather intelligence, can suspend/cancel licenses, seize illegal products, and initiate legal proceedings. The government has allocated A$46 million to support the scheme.

Public health organizations support the move but worry about the insufficient number of inspectors and their limited powers (inability to close shops selling illegally, inability to control illegal e-cigarettes). The proportion of illegal tobacco sales nationally is estimated at up to 55%, with a market value of A$5.6 billion.

7. USA: West Virginia Advances Two E-Cigarette Excise Tax Bills

As of January 31, 2026, West Virginia is advancing House Bill 4482 (HB 4482), proposing significant adjustments to the excise tax on e-cigarette-related products effective from July 1, 2026, while also increasing penalties for violations. The bill was introduced on January 16 and referred to the Committee on Finance.

* New Tax Rates: A 50% tax would be levied on the taxable sales price of e-cigarette devices and closed cartridges/ pods. A 50% tax would be levied on the taxable sales price of e-liquids sold separately; wholesalers or distributors would pay the same rate on unsold products. Combination kits would be taxed based on the milliliters of producible liquid.

* Increased Penalties: The monthly penalty for failing to submit a monthly report on time (regardless of whether tax is due) would increase from $25 to $500. Criminal sanctions applicable to tobacco products would also apply.

* Regulatory Requirements: Distributors and retailers would need to register with the Tax Commissioner and hold a certificate of operation. Sales reports and taxes would be due by the 15th of each month. Relevant records must be retained for at least 3 years. The Tax Commissioner could require a surety bond of no less than $1,000 and has the authority to inspect relevant records and inventory.

* Concurrently, Senate Bill 673 (SB 673) proposes an alternative plan to tax based on nicotine content (3 cents per milligram), with revenue used to stabilize public employee insurance costs. Both bills are in the legislative advancement stage.

Song Vape Introduction 

Song Vape is a professional brand specializing in fruit flavor e-cigarettes. As a leading entity in the industry, we focus on providing high-quality disposable vapes and a wide range of vaping supplies. We are a trusted partner for businesses seeking a reliable electronic cigarette wholesale supplier. Our products are popular in markets requiring premium fruit flavor vape options, and we are a preferred choice for usa online vape stores looking to stock diverse, compliant, and flavorful products. For all your wholesale vaping supply needs, Song Vape is your dedicated partner.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaping products contain nicotine, an addictive substance. The use of vaping products is prohibited for those under 21. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult a doctor before use. Keep vaping products out of reach of children and pets.