View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 11 February 2026
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Study points to gender-specific barriers to quitting smoking in deprived communities (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** BAT keeps chair in post beyond corporate governance code guideline (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Government claim equating sunbeds with smoking criticised as misleading (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Scotland: Public urged to respect smoke-free rules on NHS premises (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK vaping businesses urged to prepare for new excise duty and duty stamps (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** LGA welcomes increase in public health grant but urges sustained funding (#6)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Golden Vape UK eBay listings ruled in breach of e-cigarette advertising rules (#7)
------------------------------------------------------------


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** EU member states dilute planned rise in tobacco duties (#8)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Mexico bans vape sales and imports and travellers are warned to leave devices at home (#9)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Parliamentary activity
------------------------------------------------------------


** Written Answers (#10)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Study points to gender-specific barriers to quitting smoking in deprived communities

Middle aged women from deprived backgrounds in Great Britain are more likely to smoke and less likely to succeed in quitting, according to new research led by University College London. The study, published in BMC Medicine, examined data collected between 2023 and 2025 across England, Wales and Scotland. It found that among women in less deprived groups, smoking was most common in their teens and early twenties before falling steadily with age. By contrast, rates among women in more deprived communities were highest during middle age and were more than twice as high as those seen in less deprived communities at that stage of life.

Although quit attempts occurred at similar levels across socioeconomic groups and were generally more common earlier in adulthood, women from deprived backgrounds were less likely to stop successfully, particularly between the ages of 45 and 60. Researchers suggest that a combination of biological challenges such as the menopause, work pressures and caring responsibilities may make quitting more difficult during this period. The same midlife pattern was not observed among men, indicating a possible gender-specific challenge.

Cancer Research UK’s CE Michelle Mitchell said the findings underline persistent inequalities in smoking and cancer risk and called for the swift implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Source: Medical Xpress, 11 February 2026

See also: UCL - Middle-aged women from deprived backgrounds struggle to quit smoking ([link removed]) | Patterns of disparity: age and socioeconomic differences in women's smoking and quitting outcomes in Great Britain. BMC Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-04574-1 ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** BAT keeps chair in post beyond corporate governance code guideline

British American Tobacco has decided to retain its chair, Luc Jobin, beyond the nine-year limit set out in the UK corporate governance code, as it continues to search for a successor. Jobin, who joined the board in 2017, will reach the recommended tenure threshold in July. The company said his mandate will be extended for up to two additional years, potentially running until the annual meeting in 2028. The board indicated that, after assessing potential replacements, it concluded that maintaining his leadership was preferable at this stage.

A person close to the company said that recruiting senior figures has become more challenging for tobacco companies in recent years, partly because of the sector’s public image. Shares, which have risen over the past year, dipped slightly in morning trading ahead of forthcoming annual results.

Source: Financial Times, 10 February 2026

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Government claim equating sunbeds with smoking criticised as misleading

A Government statement suggesting that sunbeds are as harmful as tobacco has been challenged as inaccurate by Full Fact. The Department of Health and Social Care made the comparison while outlining plans for tighter regulation of sunbeds, citing the World Health Organization’s classification of both smoking and sunbeds as cancer-causing. However, the relevant WHO body categorises substances according to the strength of evidence that they can cause cancer, not the scale of risk they pose. Being placed in the same category does not mean two hazards carry the same level of danger.

Specialists from Cancer Research UK and an expert on public understanding of risk said tobacco use presents a far greater overall threat to health, contributing to multiple cancers and other serious diseases, whereas the risks linked to sunbeds, though significant, are more limited in scope. Statistical comparisons indicate that the increase in cancer risk associated with smoking substantially exceeds that linked to sunbed use.

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged that its wording could have been clearer and said it would aim to avoid implying equivalence in future communications, though examples of the original claim remain online. Full Fact also noted that an AI chatbot repeated the assertion when asked about it.

Source: Full Fact, 10 February 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Scotland: Public urged to respect smoke-free rules on NHS premises

Chair of the Public Health Committee Gwilym Gibbons has called for stronger adherence to smoke-free policies across NHS sites. NHS Board members were told that, despite long-standing restrictions, some individuals are still breaching the rules. Smoking within 15 metres of hospital buildings is against the law, with offenders liable to fixed penalties or court-imposed fines. In response, a targeted enforcement campaign will be carried out in partnership with the local council’s environmental health team over the coming months.

Gwilym Gibbons stressed that the approach will aim to encourage compliance and safeguard patients, staff and visitors, rather than punish unnecessarily.

Source: Dumfries & Galloway News, 10 February 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** UK vaping businesses urged to prepare for new excise duty and duty stamps

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded vaping product manufacturers, importers, and warehouse operators to register for the upcoming Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and the Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) Scheme, which take effect on 1 October 2026.

Businesses have a six-month lead time from 1 April 2026 to secure HMRC approval, with a grace period for existing stock running until 31 March 2027. HMRC has appointed Cartor Security Printers to supply duty stamps, which include physical and digital security features for traceability and authentication.

Companies are advised to verify their approval requirements, plan for duty stamp operations, and adhere to the transitional timelines to avoid operational disruptions. HMRC has issued guidance and a communications pack to assist businesses in preparing for the new regulations.

Source: Asian Trader, 10 February 2026

See also: Gov.UK Guidance - Prepare for Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** LGA welcomes increase in public health grant but urges sustained funding

The Local Government Association (LGA) has responded to the latest Public Health Grant allocations, noting a real-terms increase and the consolidation of key funding streams, including continued support for the Swap to Stop programme. The LGA highlighted the benefits of multi-year allocations and proportionate assurance measures, such as sector-led peer reviews, to help councils monitor impact and share best practice. The LGA stressed that public health services remain under pressure and require ongoing investment to meet rising demand and keep pace with inflation.

Source: Local Government Association, 10 February 2026

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Golden Vape UK eBay listings ruled in breach of e-cigarette advertising rules

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld a complaint against Golden Vape UK for promotional eBay listings of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and related products, challenged by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). While factual product information is permitted in non-paid-for online spaces under the CAP Code, the ASA found that claims such as multi-buy discounts, “special offers” and limited-time badges went beyond objective descriptions and actively encouraged purchases. All seven listings examined were deemed to have the effect of promoting unlicensed nicotine products, which is prohibited in online media under UK regulations. Golden Vape UK was instructed not to repeat these marketing practices.

Source: Advertising Standards Authority, 10 February 2026

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** EU member states dilute planned rise in tobacco duties

Plans to increase minimum tobacco taxes across the European Union have been weakened following resistance from several member states, according to a draft under discussion by the Council of the EU. The European Commission had proposed a substantial rise in the bloc’s minimum levy on cigarettes, alongside the introduction of baseline duties for heated tobacco products and e-cigarette liquids, which are not currently subject to EU-wide minimum rates. However, a revised text prepared under the Cypriot presidency suggests a smaller increase for cigarettes and reduced rates for newer nicotine products compared with earlier drafts.

The updated proposal would also allow governments up to four years to implement the higher minimum duties. In addition, earlier plans to align tax levels across all tobacco categories in the longer term have been removed from the latest version. The directive requires unanimous backing from all 27 member states. Further revisions are expected as the Council presidency rotates, with Ireland, which has among the highest tobacco taxes in the EU, set to take over later this year. If agreed in 2027, the new framework would come into force in 2028.

Source: The Examination, 10 February 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Mexico bans vape sales and imports and travellers are warned to leave devices at home

Mexico has introduced a law, effective from 16 January 2026 now making it illegal to import or sell e-cigarettes and other vaping products anywhere in the country. The ban follows earlier changes aimed at tightening controls and applies even if the devices are brought in for personal use, as customs can confiscate them and impose penalties.

British holidaymakers are being advised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office not to take vapes with them, because doing so can result in fines, detention or other enforcement action on arrival.

While using vapes in public places is also subject to local fines, the new law does not criminalise personal possession once inside Mexico, but customs authorities treat bringing products across the border as an illegal importation.

Source: The Independent, 10 February 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Parliamentary activity
------------------------------------------------------------


** Written Answers

Asked by Ruth Jones, Labour, Newport West and Islwyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to introduce minimum testing standards for vaping product testing.

Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill allow us to establish a new testing regime to ensure vape, nicotine, or tobacco products that are sold on the United Kingdom’s market do not contain harmful ingredients or metals, or breach other regulations, for instance on packaging.

We launched a call for evidence in October 2025 which sought further detail on the existing product notification schemes and where a future registration scheme could go further than current requirements, including testing requirements. The call for evidence closed on 3 December 2025, and we are in the process of analysing the responses. We will consult on policy proposals based on the evidence provided in due course.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Asked by Ruth Jones, Labour, Newport West and Islwyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of resources required by Trading Standards to enforce the registration and testing regime for vaping products since the regime was introduced.

Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill allow us to create a new product registration scheme, as well as a new testing regime, for tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. As the bill is not yet enacted, the new scheme has not yet been established and the current notification scheme for nicotine vapes, managed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, remains in place for the time being.

Once established, the new product registration system will support enforcement agencies, giving Trading Standards better information to help them remove non-compliant products from the shelves quickly and efficiently. This will also give retailers greater confidence that the products they stock and sell are lawful.

We launched a call for evidence in October 2025 which sought further detail on the existing product notification schemes and where registration could go further than current requirements, including testing requirements and fees. The call for evidence closed on 3 December 2025, and we are in the process of analysing the responses. We will consult on policy proposals based on the evidence provided in due course.

Furthermore, in 2025/26 we are investing £30 million of new funding for enforcement agencies, including Trading Standards, Border Force, and HM Revenue and Customs, to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes and to help enforce the law. As part of this, the Government is investing £10 million of new funding in 2025/26 in Trading Standards. This funding is being used to boost the Trading Standards workforce by hiring 94 new apprentices across England. This will increase Trading Standards’ capacity to enforce the new measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including the product registration scheme once established.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Asked by Ruth Jones, Labour, Newport West and Islwyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues about the role (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) Border Force will have in verifying compliance with the vaping product registration and testing regime at the point of import.

Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

Officials in the Department regularly meet with officials from other departments, including HM Revenue and Customs and Border Force, to share intelligence and ensure a coordinated approach to the enforcement of our rules on vaping products. This coordinated approach to enforcement will continue once the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law.

We are strengthening the enforcement of vape regulations through the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. We are also investing £30 million of new funding in total for enforcement agencies in 2025/26, including Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and Border Force. This increase in investment will help to stamp out criminal activity by boosting enforcement against illicit tobacco and illicit vapes.

We are also introducing a new Vaping Products Duty in October 2026 which will provide civil and criminal powers for HM Revenue and Customs to assess for duty and seize products and equipment used to produce or transport illicit products. HM Revenue and Customs will collaborate with agencies such as Border Force and Trading Standards, who will have enhanced their capabilities around vaping by the time the duty is introduced. We are working closely with colleagues in HM Revenue and Customs to understand how the new product registration scheme can work effectively with the Vaping Products Duty to increase compliance. We expect to consult on policy proposals later this year.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Asked by Ruth Jones, Labour, Newport West and Islwyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his proposed timetable is for introducing the vaping product registration scheme under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill including indicative dates for (a) consultation, (b) publication of regulations, and (c) commencement.

Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have been in discussions to explore whether OPSS, as the Government's primary product safety regulator, would be suitable to oversee the future product registration scheme for tobacco, vape, and nicotine products.

We launched a call for evidence in October 2025 which sought further detail on the existing product notification schemes and where registration could go further than current requirements. The call for evidence closed on 3 December 2025, and we are in the process of analysing the responses. We expect to consult on proposals later this year. Our objective is to have the new registration scheme live as soon as possible.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])