Core Viewpoint - The "Henan Province Tobacco Monopoly Management Regulations" has been approved and will take effect on May 1, 2026, aiming to strengthen tobacco management, improve product quality, and protect consumer interests while ensuring fiscal revenue for the state and local governments [2][34]. Group 1: General Principles - The regulations are established based on the "Tobacco Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China" and related laws, tailored to the province's specific conditions [4]. - The regulations apply to all activities related to the production, sale, transportation, and storage of tobacco monopoly products within the province [4][5]. Group 2: Responsibilities of Authorities - The provincial tobacco monopoly administrative department is responsible for overseeing tobacco monopoly work, supported by municipal and county-level departments [6]. - County-level tobacco monopoly administrative departments are required to utilize new technologies like big data and AI to enhance service quality and management efficiency [7]. Group 3: Tobacco Leaf Management - The regulations mandate the provincial department to manage tobacco leaf planting and provide support in terms of funding and technology to improve quality and efficiency [10]. - Tobacco companies are required to unify the purchase of tobacco leaves according to national standards and must sign contracts with growers regarding planting areas and prices [10][12]. Group 4: Production and Sales of Tobacco Products - Tobacco product manufacturers must comply with national quality standards and are required to strengthen technical research to reduce harmful components [18]. - Retailers must obtain the necessary licenses and are prohibited from selling tobacco products to minors, with clear signage required in retail locations [20][21]. Group 5: Supervision and Enforcement - The tobacco monopoly administrative department has the authority to investigate violations of tobacco laws, including inspecting production and storage sites [25][30]. - There are specific penalties outlined for various violations, including fines for disrupting tobacco leaf purchasing order and for unauthorized sales of tobacco products [31][36]. Group 6: New Tobacco Products - New tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, will be regulated similarly to traditional cigarettes under the new regulations [34].

Core Viewpoint - The State Council of China has issued an opinion aimed at comprehensively combating illegal activities related to tobacco, including counterfeiting, smuggling, and other violations, to purify the tobacco market environment and protect national interests and consumer rights [2]. Group 1: Measures Against Illegal Tobacco Activities - The opinion emphasizes the need to sever the supply chain for counterfeit tobacco raw materials and machinery, establishing a comprehensive regulatory system for tobacco production and operation [7]. - It calls for enhanced supervision of tobacco seed sales and management of tobacco genetic resources, as well as stricter regulations on the planting, purchasing, selling, and import/export of tobacco leaves [7]. - There will be increased efforts to combat illegal activities involving cigarette paper, filter rods, and tobacco machinery, effectively blocking the flow of tobacco leaves and materials into counterfeit production sites [7]. Group 2: International Cooperation and Border Control - The opinion highlights the importance of international cooperation to combat the source of counterfeit tobacco production abroad, including intelligence sharing and joint law enforcement efforts [3]. - It stresses the need for stringent measures against maritime tobacco smuggling, including regular patrols along coastlines and monitoring of key shipping routes [4]. - The document also outlines the necessity of comprehensive management of land borders and ports to prevent the smuggling of tobacco products, including strict enforcement of regulations on the import of tobacco products by travelers [4]. Group 3: Domestic Enforcement and Regulation - The opinion outlines a multi-faceted approach to tackling domestic illegal tobacco activities, including stringent checks on storage, transportation, and distribution of tobacco products [9]. - It emphasizes the need for rigorous enforcement against illegal online sales of tobacco products, enhancing monitoring and collaboration among various regulatory bodies [11]. - The document also calls for a crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette activities, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards [12]. Group 4: Support and Capacity Building - The opinion advocates for the improvement of legal frameworks and standards within the tobacco industry, enhancing the connection between administrative enforcement and criminal justice [11]. - It highlights the need for strengthening technical support and equipment for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat illegal tobacco activities [11]. - The document stresses the importance of professional training for enforcement personnel to enhance their capabilities in data analysis and evidence collection [12].