AMA Urges Strict Crackdown on Nicotine Pouches in Australia

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has urged the federal government to immediately tighten regulations on nicotine pouches. This urgent call to action comes as unapproved, youth-targeted products flood the online market, threatening to replicate the widespread public health harms previously seen with vaping.

AMA Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait warned that these products are being sold online with minimal friction. He stressed that regulators must act decisively before the use of nicotine pouches becomes deeply entrenched in Australian society.

The health risks associated with these unregulated products are significant. Reported adverse effects include mouth and gum irritation, upset stomachs, nausea, and elevated blood pressure.

The nicotine concentration in these unapproved products is particularly alarming:

• A non-industry study revealed that nicotine absorption from a 30mg pouch is comparable to smoking a single cigarette.
• Some unregulated pouches currently on the market contain extreme doses of up to 150mg of nicotine.

In Australia, nicotine for human use is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine. However, because no nicotine pouches are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), there are no approved products legally permitted for routine supply.

To combat this, the AMA strongly backs the TGA’s proposed amendments. These changes aim to block access to unapproved pouches through existing loopholes, including the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescriber scheme, personal importation arrangements, and extemporaneous compounding.

A/Prof Rait also highlighted that the rapid rise of synthetic nicotine and online promotion exploits current regulatory grey areas. He called for stronger safeguards, including effective online takedown processes, child-resistant packaging, clear health warnings, and better monitoring of poisoning incidents.

Finally, the AMA emphasized that federal intervention is essential for consistent enforcement. While states like South Australia and Queensland have utilized local tobacco legislation to curb the issue, a unified federal approach is required to harmonize rules and relieve the burden on state governments relying on piecemeal mechanisms.

• Related Download: AMA_response_to_TGA consultation_nicotine_pouches.pdf (307.56 KB)

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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