Are Nicotine Pouches Being Regulated in the UK?

Nicotine pouches have become increasingly popular in the UK. They are widely available and usually come in multiple flavours, such as mint and berries. Some of the most famous include Velo and Zyn, which are made by big tobacco companies like British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International (PMI). Read on to find out more about nicotine pouches and whether they are being regulated in the UK.

What are Nicotine Pouches and how do they work?

Like the name suggests, nicotine pouches are simply nicotine packed into pouches, like teabags, but tiny. They also contain other ingredients, like flavourings and fillers. Unlike cigarettes and vapes, they don't produce smoke or vapour and are considered an alternative to cigarettes to help reduce smoking.

To use them, take a pouch and place it under your tongue or between your lip and gum. You can leave it there for anywhere between 5 and 60 minutes. The powder in the pouch (which mainly is nicotine) then dissolves and enters your bloodstream.

Nicotine Pouches Vs Snus

Nicotine pouches and snus share many similarities. The way they are packaged and how they are used are all the same. They all come in small pouches and are used by placing them under the tongue or behind the lip. They also both deliver nicotine into your body without the need for smoking or vaping.

However, they also have their differences, especially in their composition and materials, and when it comes to regulations.

Snus is most commonly used in Sweden and Norway, and is made from real tobacco leaves, except that the leaves have been ground up and treated to remove some of the harmful ingredients. This means that even though you don't have to smoke it like a cigarette, it still contains tobacco, and therefore can have some of the effects of smoking.

Nicotine pouches don't include tobacco leaves. They are made with nicotine that has been taken out of the tobacco plant, then mixed with other ingredients like flavourings, making them tobacco-free. That is why they are under the General Products Safety Regulations (GPSR) laws, which have fewer restrictions, and not under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), which are stricter.

While snus is banned in the UK (and most other European countries), nicotine pouches are not, mainly because they don't contain actual tobacco. On the contrary, they are marketed as cleaner and safer alternatives, with fewer risks.

How Much Nicotine is in Nicotine Pouches

Just like in e-liquids or vape juice, you will find various strengths in nicotine pouches. Some have low amounts of nicotine, some are described as mild, and some have high amounts, which are considered strong.

Most nicotine pouches available in the UK have anywhere between 6 mg and 20 mg of nicotine per pouch. This is considered standard, but you can also find others with more nicotine and others with less.

Current UK Regulations

Generally, there aren't any strict regulations for nicotine pouches. No age limit, nicotine strength limit, or even any controls when it comes to packaging, flavours, or marketing. Because nicotine pouches don't contain actual tobacco leaf and are not smoked or inhaled, they fall under and are covered by the General Product Safety Regulations. This rule covers a wide range of consumer goods.

While the UK government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to bring in stricter rules, the bill was paused due to the general election and has not yet passed into law. However, many expect it could soon return.

Should Nicotine Pouches be Restricted?

With nicotine pouches still not necessarily under any restrictions, this has become a commonly asked question. It raises the fear that more young people have access to nicotine pouches, and health experts, teachers, and parents are worried about how easy it is for underage individuals to get addicted.

Besides being easily accessible, another primary concern is that they are easy to hide. Nicotine pouches don't produce smoke, vapour, or even smell. They are also small. While these are some of the reasons why they are a better option than smoking for adults, it makes it easy to go unnoticed. They come in multiple fun flavours too, which does not help the underage situation.

Of course, we are in support of the government and health professionals being against the distribution of nicotine pouches to people who are not yet of legal age, just like we already follow the laws for cigarettes and vapes.

We believe that it is vital for parents, schools, and communities to stay aware of what nicotine pouches are and how they are being used. The more informed we are, the better we can protect the young people.

Should Nicotine Pouches be Banned?

Nicotine pouches have their own role. They have made it easy for adults to switch from and quit smoking, which carries more risks and real dangers. These pouches are considered a cleaner and healthier alternative. Since they don't produce smoke, they don't have as many risks and don't damage the lungs like cigarettes do.

Many people suggest that instead of a full ban, there should be a regulation, which seems like a much better option. This way, there can be age restrictions to make sure that these products are only used by adults and rules that ensure they are correctly labelled and sold responsibly, while at the same time, continue to help people who want to stop smoking.

Do Nicotine Pouches Have Side Effects?

Like any other products, nicotine pouches can have some side effects depending on use. For example, if you are a new user, you might experience some dizziness or nausea. If you take them in large amounts, you might also experience the same effects.

Leaving them for too long in your mouth can also cause some symptoms, such as sore gums. It is essential to consider dosage when using nicotine pouches, especially if you are just getting started, to avoid some of these side effects.

There is also a risk of addiction, especially for children and young adults. That is why regulations are essential to prevent consumption by kids. These products are meant for adults only.

FAQs

Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in the UK?

Yes, nicotine pouches are legal in the UK. Just make sure you buy yours from trusted stores and websites. They are also sold in many supermarkets.

Will New Laws be Introduced for Nicotine Pouches in the UK?

Currently, there are no regulations in place. However, in the near future, most likely, yes. The government had already introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, under which regulations for nicotine pouches could be introduced. This was intended to enforce rules such as banning sales to under-18s, setting a maximum nicotine strength, and stopping packaging that could attract children, among other measures.