WHO’s inaugural index ranks 142 nations on scientific rigor, enforcement capacity, and public health integration—highlighting Singapore, UK, and Canada as top-tier frameworks.
The VapeSteward Program reports record 41% device recycling rate in 2023—up from 12% in 2020—driven by standardized lithium recovery and retailer deposit incentives.
Tokyo-based Vapora Inc. gains PMDA designation for its heat-not-burn hybrid e-cig—enabling pharmacy distribution and insurance-eligible wellness pricing.
New FDA guidance mandates UL 8139:2023 compliance, thermal runaway testing, and firmware-level overcharge protection for all rechargeable vaping devices sold in the U.S.
Industry coalition unveils enhanced age-gating standards, including biometric liveness detection, dynamic IP geofencing, and retailer-facing AI audit dashboards.
MHRA greenlights VaporWell’s 18-month RCT comparing relapse rates among smokers using certified e-cigs vs. NRT—paving way for evidence-based public health messaging.
