US Fast-Tracks Vapes. Asia Bans Them. Same Science, Opposite Rules

METRO MANILA, Philippines - Rezul -- The United States is preparing to fast-track approvals for vapes and nicotine pouches. Across Asia-Pacific, governments are banning, seizing and prosecuting the same products, says the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce within days that it will revisit its 2021 rules for new tobacco product applications. Officials reportedly aim to simplify study requirements and shorten review times, using legal alternatives to push illicit products out of the market. The FDA has already authorised 43 nicotine pouches. They acknowledge that adults who switch completely from cigarettes may reduce their exposure to many harmful chemicals found in combustible tobacco.

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How is Asia-Pacific responding?

In the opposite direction. Key examples:

• India, where tobacco kills 1.35 million people a year, has ordered states to seize and prosecute nicotine pouch sellers.
• Vietnam is writing a total ban on vapes and heated tobacco into law.
• Australia has banned nicotine pouches even on prescription.
• New Zealand keeps nicotine pouch sales illegal, despite the coalition agreeing to explore legalising them.

Why does CAPHRA call this a policy failure?

"The world's most influential regulator is widening legal access to safer nicotine. Much of our region is shutting it down," said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).

"Cigarettes stay on every shelf. The products that help people quit are banned, seized or pushed onto the black market. That is not public health policy. It is protecting the deadliest product by default."

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What happens when countries ban these products?

Australia is the warning sign: wastewater analysis found around 80% of nicotine consumed there now comes from illicit sources.

"Prohibition does not stop nicotine use. It hands it to criminals," Loucas said. "CAPHRA backs strict age verification and tough enforcement against illegal sellers. Banning legal products delivers neither."

Is there a regional model that works?

Clarisse Virgino, CAPHRA's Philippines representative, points to her own country. "We chose to regulate, not ban. Governments across our region should study that choice before they follow India and Vietnam down the prohibition path."

Where is this being discussed next?

The Asia Forum on Nicotine 2026 (AFN26), Manila, 16–17 October, brings together consumers, researchers and policymakers to assess THR progress, challenges and next steps across the region.