Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1543154
30 tobaccoasia PRODUCT NEWS 产品新闻 Oliva Cigars Unveils Exclusive "Year of The Dragon" for Chinese New Year Oliva Cigars has released a limited‑edition cigar to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Oliva Year of the Dragon, a premium box containing 10 Churchill cigars. The release is available exclusively through China Duty Free (CDF) and is aimed at collectors and cigar enthusiasts. The cigars are hand‑rolled at Oliva's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, using Nicaraguan tobaccos and an Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper. The packaging features a dragon design inspired by traditional Chinese symbolism. "We are thrilled to introduce the Oliva Year of the Dragon Churchill Cigar in celebration of the Chinese New Year in cooperation with CDF," said Thomas Gryson, export manager, Oliva Cigars. "This limited‑edition collection is a true embodiment of our dedication to quality and craftsmanship. We have carefully curated this offering to provide aficionados with a unique and culturally significant cigar experience, making it a must‑have for collectors and enthusiasts alike." Only a limited number of boxes have been produced, and the cigars are expected to sell out quickly. The Oliva Year of the Dragon will retail for US$350 per box. California Issues "Unflavored" Tobacco List; Most Other Brands Now Illegal California has issued its first Unflavored Tobacco List, setting out which tobacco and nicotine products retailers may legally sell in the state. The state now treats any tobacco or nicotine product that does not appear on the list as flavored and therefore illegal for sale in California. The list covers traditional tobacco products as well as nicotine items, including e‑cigarettes and vapes. "Safeguarding public health, particularly for our youth, has been and will continue to be a top priority. The Unflavored Tobacco List will help further reduce tobacco use among young people and strengthen accountability for companies and individuals who break our laws," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. Major brands such as Marlboro, Camel, Juul, and Zyn appear on the list and may continue selling their approved products in the state. In guidance sent to local law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing the ban, the California Department of Justice said it will initially prioritize action against "obviously flavored" products, including fruit‑flavored items and menthols. The department also said it will focus on educating manufacturers about the new requirements during the early stages of enforcement. State lawmakers required the attorney general to compile the list under legislation passed in 2024 that aimed to clarify and tighten the definition of flavored tobacco products. California banned flavored tobacco products in 2022, but officials said the updated law sought to address enforcement gaps. The Justice Department warned manufacturers and retailers that authorities may seize products that do not appear on the list and impose fines on businesses that sell unregistered items. Some products remain exempt from the listing requirement and may still be sold in California. These exemptions include hookah tobacco, loose‑leaf pipe tobacco, and premium cigars. Korea Classifies Synthetic Nicotine Tobacco; Now Subject to Tobacco Regulations South Korea will bring synthetic nicotine liquid e‑cigarettes under its tobacco laws from April 24, following amendments to the Tobacco Business Act announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Promotion Institute. The revision marks the first change to the country's legal definition of tobacco since the law came into force in 1988. Until now, tobacco regulation focused on products derived from tobacco leaves, which allowed synthetic nicotine e‑ciga‑ rettes to remain outside the formal regulatory framework. Authorities began examining how to regulate synthetic nicotine products in 2021 through public consultations, policy forums, and market surveillance. Research conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency identified carcinogens and other harmful substances in synthetic nicotine liquid e‑cigarettes, prompting the legislative update. Once the amendments take effect, synthetic nicotine e‑cigarettes will fall under the National Health Promotion Act. Packaging will need to carry mandatory health warning images and text, and regulators said they will closely monitor compliance. The changes also tighten advertising requirements. Tobacco advertisements displayed inside retail outlets or published in newspapers and magazines must show health warnings clearly at the bottom center of the advertisement. The expanded tobacco definition will extend existing smoke‑ free rules to synthetic nicotine e‑cigarettes. Use of these products will be prohibited in designated non‑smoking areas, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Authorities will also restrict flavor‑based marketing aimed at youth and young adults, banning packaging and advertising that highlights fruit or dessert flavors. Major brands like Marlboro, Camel, Juul, and Zyn remain approved for sale in California. Credit: Nikita2706, CC3.0. Oliva Year of the dragon