Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1

Key Takeaways

• Austria’s new sales rules for nicotine products will take effect on April 1, 2026.
• Nicotine pouches will in future be sold only through tobacco shops and brought under the tobacco monopoly.
• E-liquids will be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores.
• From May 2026, nicotine products may no longer be sold without the required registration.
• Existing nicotine product stocks may only be sold through December 31, 2026.

2Firsts, March 30, 2026

According to VOL.AT, Austria will introduce stricter rules for nicotine products from April 1, 2026, with tighter sales requirements for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

Nicotine pouches will be limited to tobacco shops from April 1

The changes are based on a reform of Austria’s tobacco law that was passed in December 2025. The measures mainly affect nicotine pouches and e-liquids, which had previously been available at many retail outlets.

Under the new rules, nicotine pouches may in future be sold only through tobacco shops and will fall under the tobacco monopoly. E-liquids may be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores, while other retail outlets will no longer receive authorization.

The reform also raises tobacco taxes and brings the products into the monopoly system

The reform includes several additional changes. Tobacco tax will increase from 2026, including for heated tobacco products and fine-cut tobacco. At the same time, nicotine pouches and e-liquids will be brought under the tobacco monopoly framework.

The law also provides that cannabis products will from 2029 be sold only through tobacco shops. Existing hemp and CBD shops will have a transition period through the end of 2028.

Austria links the new rules to rising youth use of newer nicotine products

One of the stated reasons for the reform is rising use of newer nicotine products. Data cited in the report say that 28% of 15-year-olds use e-cigarettes. Nicotine pouches can contain up to 20 milligrams of nicotine, while one cigarette contains less than 1 milligram.

Austria also set out a timeline for the changes: the new sales rules for nicotine pouches and e-liquids take effect on April 1, 2026; from May 2026, nicotine products may no longer be sold without proper registration, including in venues such as gastronomy outlets; December 31, 2026 is the deadline for selling existing nicotine product stocks; and December 31, 2028 is the end of the transition period for hemp and CBD shops, after which sales will only be allowed through tobacco shops.

Image source: VOL.AT.