Collaboration with Health Ministry to Analyze Situation and Make Responsible Decisions

Andrzej Domański, the Polish Minister of Finance, informed TVP Info on Tuesday that the Ministry of Finance is considering the possibility of raising the excise tax on tobacco products, such as nicotine pouches, for health reasons. He added that the Ministry of Finance, along with the Ministry of Health, is thoroughly analyzing the situation.

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Industry Faces Challenges with Illegal Products, Favors Disposables, 0% Nicotine, and Modern Oral

As the vape and oral nicotine categories continue to evolve in the convenience store (c-store) channel, retailers are grappling with the impact of illegal products, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory developments. Industry experts predict that 2025 may bring further regulatory clarity as the Center for Tobacco Products reviews premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) and intensifies enforcement efforts against illegal vape products.

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Sweden boasts the lowest tobacco-related mortality rate in Europe, despite having tobacco use rates similar to other countries, including the UK. This phenomenon, known as the Swedish Experience, can be attributed to the widespread use of snus, a smoke-free, moist, pasteurized tobacco product, instead of cigarettes. The story behind snus plays a crucial role in the development and popularity of innovative smoke-free alternatives, such as nicotine pouches.

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French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has announced plans to ban nicotine pouches in the coming weeks, citing their popularity among teenagers and the high doses of nicotine they contain. Darrieussecq described the pouches as “dangerous products” that can induce nicotine addiction and serve as a gateway to smoking, especially when used by young people rather than former smokers.

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Denmark has notified the European Commission of its intention to impose strict limitations on nicotine pouches, following a position paper presented at the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on June 21. Unlike the blanket bans put in place or proposed in the Benelux countries, Denmark’s rules will ban most flavors and any product with a nicotine content above 9 mg per pouch.

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As the use of vaping devices among young people began to decline, eliciting a collective sigh of relief from public health officials, a new, potentially worrisome product has gained popularity among youth: nicotine pouches. Unlike cigarettes and vaping devices, which produce smoke and vapor, nicotine pouches are more discreet and harder for parents to notice. Users tuck these pouches between their lip or cheek and gums, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed into their bloodstream through mucous membranes in their mouth.

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A new government survey reveals that e-cigarette use among young people has fallen to its lowest level in ten years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the latest data shows that the rate among adolescents dropped to under 6% this year, down from 7.7% in 2023.

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The nicotine pouch market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, particularly in the UK. As more adults seek alternatives to traditional tobacco products, nicotine pouches have emerged as a popular choice. This surge in demand has led to an influx of brands offering a wide array of flavors, nicotine strengths, and sizes to cater to diverse consumer preferences. For industry professionals and curious consumers alike, understanding the nuances of nicotine pouch sizes is crucial for making informed decisions and providing expert advice.

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A recent study commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) has identified oral nicotine pouches as a new threat luring Gen Z to nicotine addiction. The study found that while about half of adults can identify cigarettes and e-cigarettes, only one in four would recognize oral nicotine pouches, which are gaining popularity among teens and young adults. Read more

Styria has become the latest Austrian state to ban the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. The state parliament passed an amendment to the Youth Act on Tuesday, which will come into force on October 1, 2024. This move follows similar bans implemented by Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol, as more states take action to address the growing popularity of these addictive nicotine products among teenagers and young adults. Read more