Czech Republic Plans to Reduce Tobacco Harm with Nicotine Pouches

Jul.01.2022
Czech Republic Plans to Reduce Tobacco Harm with Nicotine Pouches
Czech Republic to implement a tobacco harm reduction strategy including the use of nicotine pouches, as local leadership attitudes change.

Due to a change in the mentality of local leaders, the Czech Republic will be implementing a strategy aimed at reducing the harm caused by tobacco, which includes the use of nicotine pouches. According to Ondřej Jakob, a spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Health, a new action plan is currently being discussed and is expected to be implemented in the near future.

 

This issue has yet to be resolved. A new law is being prepared for nicotine pouches to define their composition, appearance, quality, characteristics, and other parameters, in order to minimize their adverse effects on human health." Jakob explained. The new law is expected to consider various factors that need to be taken into account. He said, "At this point, we anticipate debating a new action plan that should set the direction for the next three years, including tobacco addiction.

 

According to ECigIntelligence, successfully implementing harm reduction in the country's next three-year action plan could also promote other safer alternatives, such as electronic cigarettes and nasal snuff. Jakob discussed these products, stating that "electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are both controversial.

 

We believe that, in the future, new products should be designed with flavors that mask the unpleasant taste of nicotine while still adhering to harm reduction principles. However, they should be limited as much as possible to attract as few people as possible, especially young people, to avoid creating another batch of nicotine addicts.

 

The threat to teenagers, including risks to their health and the emergence of new addictions, has yet to be resolved and this may also apply to current non-smokers. For this reason, the Czech Republic is currently discussing this issue," he added.

 

The European Union is still spreading the "debunked theory".

 

Meanwhile, the EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, questioned the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid and even claimed that they are a gateway to smoking in another statement spreading misinformation about e-cigarettes.

 

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA), expressed concern that the European Commission is still disregarding scientific evidence on e-cigarettes. He stated that it is alarming that the Commission continues to promote outdated and debunked theories on e-cigarettes, and systematically ignores vast amounts of scientific evidence that demonstrates their benefits, not to mention the firsthand experiences of millions of e-cigarette users. Compared to traditional therapies like gum or patches, e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking and a more effective method for quitting. The Commission's approach to e-cigarettes will only result in loss of life.

 

“Overall, it is known that both smokeless and novel tobacco and related products contain nicotine, a toxic and highly addictive substance known to be harmful to health - enhancing nicotine addiction. This is why these products are regulated and, as far as oral tobacco is concerned, banned by the European Union,” the statement concluded.

 

This article is compiled from third-party information sources, and the copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author.

 

This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
As 2025 draws to a close, China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has released a white paper–style “Status Report” on e-cigarette regulation, systematically outlining its oversight framework, enforcement outcomes and international cooperation. 2Firsts provides exclusive in-depth reporting and analysis, offering insight into China’s regulatory logic and governance direction.
Dec.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand vape retailer Shosha is accused of using hidden, white-on-white text on its website to promote refillable and disposable vapes. A Health Ministry spokesperson said it could not comment on individual businesses’ compliance status while matters are being assessed, and said the ministry continues to monitor digital advertising and promotional activity and will act where it considers there may be a breach.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak executive councillor Datuk Sivanesan said the state government aims to progressively reach a “zero” level of vape sales no later than after October, noting vape operators were clearly informed in October 2025.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Interpreting FDA’s on! PLUS Authorization: What the Agency’s Press Release Reveals About Its Nicotine Pouch Review Model
Interpreting FDA’s on! PLUS Authorization: What the Agency’s Press Release Reveals About Its Nicotine Pouch Review Model
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products have received Marketing Granted Orders (MGO) through the PMTA pathway. The authorizations were completed under the agency’s nicotine pouch review pilot program in “record time,” with the FDA citing lower levels of harmful constituents while stressing that the decision applies only to the specified products and does not mean they are safe or FDA approved.
Regulations
Dec.20
New York directs Tax and Finance to build “Vapor Products” registry; products not listed deemed illegal
New York directs Tax and Finance to build “Vapor Products” registry; products not listed deemed illegal
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state will crack down on illegal flavored vapes by creating a registry identifying which vapor products may be legally sold. The governor directed the state Department of Taxation and Finance to establish a “Vapor Products” registry, with products not on the list treated as illegal.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai