Clear rules for nicotine pouches

Die Tabak Zeitung // At the symposium “Maximum penalty without trial? The ban on nicotine pouches in Germany”, which recently took place in Berlin, industry experts discussed the regulation of nicotine pouches in Germany and Europe. The panel was moderated by lawyer David Zechmeister.

He emphasized that there is no explicit ban on nicotine pouches in Germany. The articles are treated as consumer goods as they do not contain tobacco.

According to Zechmeister, the classification by food monitoring authorities has led to uncertainties and legal conflicts. He criticized the fact that health risks were assessed across the board “without comprehensively examining the actual risks”.

Ernest Gromann, Scientific Director of the Nicotine Institute, pointed out the significantly lower health risk of nicotine pouches compared to cigarettes. The risk reduction must “be the focus of an objective assessment”.

The theory that nicotine pouches could encourage people to start smoking has not been scientifically proven. He spoke out in favor of regulation that realistically classifies risks and makes them transparent. Bengt Wiberg, founder of Stingfree AB, presented the “Swedish experience”: comprehensive regulation, clear labeling and lower taxation compared to cigarettes had led to one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe. According to Wiberg, however, this shows no connection between nicotine pouches and an increase in smoking.

In the discussion round, the experts emphasized that different national regulations and uncertainties in dealing with new nicotine products would cause considerable competitive disadvantages and legal risks. They therefore advocated EU-wide harmonization and objective consumer information on the benefits and risks.