Shenzhen, Aug 19 (2Firsts) — China’s state tobacco regulator has reportedly instructed affiliated entities to begin developing nicotine pouch products and preparing for their potential launch in the domestic market, according to industry sources familiar with the matter.
The directive, said to have come from senior officials at the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA), signals a possible shift in China’s approach to next-generation tobacco products. Sources suggest that nicotine pouches are viewed internally as having lower technological and intellectual property risks compared to heated tobacco products, which remain unapproved for domestic sale.
Although Chinese state-owned firms have marketed heated tobacco products abroad, approval for domestic sales has been withheld in part due to key patents being held by international tobacco companies.
Separately, some STMA-affiliated companies have reportedly begun market research activities targeting tobacco retailers to assess potential consumer interest and distribution readiness for nicotine pouches, 2Firsts has learned.
If confirmed, the move would mark the first time a state-backed next-generation tobacco product is introduced into the Chinese market. Unlike e-cigarettes—which are dominated by private companies—nicotine pouches would represent a new product class officially developed within the state tobacco system.
As of publication, the STMA has not issued any public statements or official documents confirming the reported initiative.
2Firsts will continue to monitor developments.
Image Source: AI Generation
