WVS NEWS: COP11 Wraps Up Amid Unresolved Decisions on Novel Tobacco Products and Pollution
Geneva, 22 November 2025 – The 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) concluded this week amid concerns over unprecedented levels of industry interference, which stalled progress on regulations for new tobacco products and environmental pollution. (Health Policy Watch)
Delegates from over 160 Parties gathered to negotiate measures addressing emerging tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, as well as the environmental impact of tobacco waste. Despite the urgency of these issues, key proposals were blocked or deferred due to pressure from the tobacco industry.
Key Outcomes
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Regulation of New Products Deferred: Efforts to establish global standards for marketing, disclosure, and trade of novel tobacco and nicotine products were unsuccessful, leaving regulatory uncertainty for products such as e-cigarettes.
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Plastic Cigarette Filter Ban Stalled: A proposed ban on environmentally harmful plastic cigarette filters was not adopted. Delegates agreed only to continue informal consultations.
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Acknowledgement of Environmental Harm: COP11 did advance initiatives addressing the environmental impact of tobacco production and waste, including recommendations to consider industry liability for environmental damage.
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National Tobacco Control Measures Supported: The conference called for enhanced national tobacco-control programmes and explored forward-looking measures, including potential youth-targeted interventions.
Implications for the Vape Sector
For the vaping industry, the outcomes highlight ongoing regulatory uncertainty at the international level. While recognition of environmental concerns may signal future requirements around product stewardship and corporate responsibility, concrete global standards for e-cigarettes and other novel products remain unresolved.
Experts emphasize that continued engagement with regulatory discussions will be essential for stakeholders across the tobacco and nicotine sector as policies evolve.
