Belgium Implements Total Ban on Nicotine Pouches
Belgium is taking a firm stance against nicotine pouches, with a complete ban on their sale set to take effect on October 1st, 2023. The ban is part of the anti-tobacco plan signed by Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) and 23 other ministers, with the royal decree officially published on March 14th.
Nicotine pouches are small bags containing nicotine that are placed under the upper lip, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream. While they do not contain tobacco, some pouches can have up to 90 mg of nicotine, which is nearly nine times the amount found in a typical cigarette.
Although wholesalers have been prohibited from selling nicotine pouches since July 1st, retailers are allowed to continue selling them until October 1st to clear out their existing stock. This phased approach gives businesses time to adapt to the new regulations while ensuring that the ban is effectively implemented.
The ban has faced opposition from major tobacco companies, with British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International appealing to the Council of State in May to overturn the decree. These companies argue that nicotine pouches are a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. However, the Belgian government has prioritized public health concerns in its decision to implement the ban.
Belgium is not alone in its efforts to regulate nicotine pouches. The Netherlands has already implemented a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches containing more than 0.035 milligrams of nicotine, which effectively serves as a total ban given that most pouches contain significantly higher levels of nicotine. In contrast, Sweden freely allows the sale of both snus (nicotine pouches containing tobacco) and nicotine patches.
As more countries grapple with the potential health risks associated with nicotine pouches, it is likely that we will see further regulations and bans implemented across Europe and beyond. The Belgian ban serves as a clear signal that public health concerns are taking precedence over the interests of the tobacco industry.
