Australia's Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouches Sparks Concern

Jun.14.2024
Australia's Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouches Sparks Concern
Australian border forces seize over 1.3 million nicotine pouches, a 950% increase since January, prompting crackdown on illegal imports.

According to a report from ABC News on June 14th, Australian border forces have seized over 1.3 million nicotine pouches since January, a 950% increase from the previous two years. In Australia, it is illegal to sell, purchase, or promote nicotine pouches without a prescription from a doctor.

Australia's Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouches Sparks Concern
Australian border forces have seized more than 1.3 million bags of nicotine. | Image source: ABC News


In January, the Australian federal government officially banned the importation of e-cigarettes and increased enforcement efforts, with plans to prohibit domestic production, advertising, supply, and commercial ownership of non-therapeutic e-cigarettes.


James Payne, the aviation goods supervisor for the Australian Border Force, seized thousands of cans of nicotine pouches at Perth Airport. The majority of these goods were from Sweden, with China being another major source country.


ABC reported that these nicotine pouches resemble candy containers, with bright packaging and flavors such as black cherry, lemon citrus, and double apple, designed to attract young people just like e-cigarettes. The Western Australia Department of Health stated that they will continue to enhance routine compliance checks on tobacco retailers, and if nicotine pouches are found, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Retailers may receive official warnings and could face criminal prosecution.


Nicotine pouches are legal in some European countries and the United States, with a major brand owned by a tobacco company sponsoring the McLaren Formula One team. Athletes and social media influencers are also using or promoting these nicotine pouches. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has not yet approved the use of nicotine pouches, emphasizes that there is no strong evidence indicating that nicotine pouches can help people quit smoking or quit e-cigarettes.


The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration is particularly concerned about the harm of nicotine to children, stating that there is evidence to suggest that nicotine may damage the development of the adolescent brain.


Australia's Health Minister, Mark Butler, expressed deep concern over nicotine pouches. In May of this year, he wrote a letter to Meta, requesting that the company remove advertisements for nicotine pouches from Facebook and Instagram.


However, there are still some posts on social media platforms promoting these products.


Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

RELX Technology Q1 2025 Financial Report: Revenue Rises 46.5% YoY to $110 Million, Slips 0.6% from Previous Quarter
RELX Technology Q1 2025 Financial Report: Revenue Rises 46.5% YoY to $110 Million, Slips 0.6% from Previous Quarter
RELX Technology reported net revenue of RMB 810 million (US $110 million) for Q1 2025, down 0.6% quarter-over-quarter but up 46.5% year-over-year. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net profit for the quarter was RMB 250 million (US $34.6 million), a 0.2% decrease from the previous quarter and a 21.0% increase from a year earlier.
May.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco Growers Discuss Shared Challenges and Opportunities at ITGA Regional Meeting
Tobacco Growers Discuss Shared Challenges and Opportunities at ITGA Regional Meeting
The ITGA Americas meeting gathered growers and stakeholders from key regions to address climate impacts, rising production costs, and shifting global demand. 2Firsts was invited to attend, with Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra reporting on-site.
Jun.04
Dutch Government Launches Anti-Vaping Campaign as Nearly 10% of 12-Year-Olds Report E-Cigarette Use
Dutch Government Launches Anti-Vaping Campaign as Nearly 10% of 12-Year-Olds Report E-Cigarette Use
A new study in the Netherlands shows that 10% of 12-year-olds have tried e-cigarettes, and nearly 40% of users aged 12 to 16 say they are addicted. In response, the Dutch government launched a “Say No to E-Cigarettes” awareness campaign on May 12.
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor government to decide on ban of e-cigarette sales, citing public health and industry impact. Trend spreading to more areas.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Insights|JT to Launch New Ploom AURA Heated Device Nationwide in July
2Firsts Insights|JT to Launch New Ploom AURA Heated Device Nationwide in July
Japan Tobacco (JT) has launched a new heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA, along with EVO sticks in three flavors. The device features advanced heating and Bluetooth support. JT plans to invest ¥650 billion in reduced-risk products and aims to capture 10% of Japan’s heated tobacco market by 2028.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
  Modified Risk Applications for ZYN Nicotine Pouches Now Under FDA Scientific Review
Modified Risk Applications for ZYN Nicotine Pouches Now Under FDA Scientific Review
FDA has accepted MRTP applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouches, following their PMTA approval in January. Public comment period now open.
Jun.18