UK Government Grants Itself Powers for French-Style Nicotine Pouch Ban
Following France’s controversial push to ban nicotine pouches, the UK government has granted itself the legislative power to execute a similar ban under the newly enacted Tobacco and Vapes Act, which received Royal Assent on April 29. This move has sparked intense debate among advocacy groups and consumers alike.
Under Sections 96(1)(a) and 96(3) of the Act, the Health Secretary can now prohibit the production, importation, and supply of any nicotine product via statutory instrument. While possessing these products remains legal for now, strict marketing and sponsorship restrictions are set to take effect in late June.
Public health campaigners and the World Health Organization (WHO) are heavily lobbying for these restrictions. Critics argue that because nicotine pouches do not involve inhalation or combustion, they have bypassed existing tobacco regulations. This has triggered a rapid “regulate to ban” pipeline similar to the one that previously targeted vapes.
This regulatory crackdown comes despite early scientific studies suggesting that nicotine can improve cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease and memory issues in Parkinson’s disease. Opponents argue that a ban could restrict access to a highly effective harm-reduction tool and cognitive aid.
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