France has become the latest European country to ban the sale of nicotine pouches, citing health risks such as nicotine addiction and the potential for medical issues, especially among young people.
These small bags of powder, which contain nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients, are placed in the mouth to absorb nicotine through the gums. They differ from tobacco pouches, commonly known as snus, which are popular in Sweden but banned in the rest of the EU.
Nicotine pouches are marketed as a tobacco-free alternative to cigarettes, but health experts warn that they can contain high levels of nicotine, which pose risks to brain development and the cardiovascular system. Given that nicotine pouches are relatively new—just a decade old—the long-term health effects remain unclear. According to a European Parliament report, the use of nicotine pouches by European adults was just 0.3% in 2021, but this figure is expected to triple by this year, driven by increased popularity among young people.
The rise in usage is particularly notable in Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries, where nicotine pouches have become a significant market. In Denmark, 12% of young people aged 15 to 24 are using them. Sales have also been increasing in countries like Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the UK, and Uzbekistan.
Nicotine pouches are not governed by the EU’s tobacco regulations, so individual member states are responsible for setting rules regarding nicotine limits, advertising, and sales. As many EU countries await guidance from the European Commission, France moved forward with a ban in February, citing concerns over the products’ appeal to young people and their similarities to snus. French authorities noted a significant rise in nicotine pouch-related intoxication cases, from 19 in 2020 to 131 in 2022.
Other European countries have also implemented various restrictions:
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The Netherlands banned the sale of nicotine pouches in January 2024. Prior to the ban, sales were limited due to strict regulations on nicotine content, leading people to turn to illegal online sources for higher nicotine pouches.
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Belgium has banned nicotine pouches since 2023, as part of a broader smoke-free generation plan. Despite the ban, nicotine pouches are still widely available in local shops and online.
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Germany classifies nicotine pouches as food, rather than tobacco products. This classification has led to some products being removed from the market due to their high nicotine content. While the pouches can still be ordered online, tobacco companies hope that the government will eventually legalize their sale in stores.
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The Czech Republic introduced a ban on sales to under-18s in 2023 and imposed a nicotine limit of 10 milligrams per pouch (equivalent to roughly three cigarettes).
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Finland initially passed a law in 2024 to categorize nicotine pouches as tobacco products and restrict most flavors, but quickly reversed the decision after industry influence in flavor regulations was revealed. Finland now plans to ban all flavors except mint and menthol.
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Poland has legalized nicotine pouches but is planning to ban those using synthetic nicotine, which is lab-made rather than derived from tobacco leaves. The country is also preparing an overhaul of its tobacco policies to limit access for minors.
As concerns over the health effects of nicotine pouches continue to grow, more European countries are likely to consider stricter regulations.
