Finland Parliament Supports Regulations on Nicotine Pouches in September

Sep.24.2024
Finland Parliament Supports Regulations on Nicotine Pouches in September
Finnish Parliament supports government proposal to regulate nicotine pouches under Tobacco Act, aiming to reduce youth usage and illegal trade.

On September 23rd, the Finnish Parliament (Suomen eduskunta) posted on social media X stating that the Finnish Social and Health Committee supports the government's proposal.


According to the government proposal, nicotine pouches will be included in the regulation of the Tobacco Act, and the bill will add a definition of "smokeless nicotine products". Retail sales of nicotine pouches will require a license, and there will be a limit on their nicotine content. Flavor options will be restricted to flavors specifically for adult use, such as mint, tea, ginger, etc. In addition, nicotine pouches will be subject to regulatory measures similar to tobacco products and nicotine liquids, including standardized packaging labeling, health warnings, regulatory fees, and provisions prohibiting sales to and use by individuals under 18 years of age. Nicotine pouches will also be prohibited from being used in kindergarten, elementary schools, regular high schools, and vocational schools.


It is reported that the main purpose of amending the Tobacco Act is to prevent gray imports, illegal trading, and organized crime, with the aim of reducing Finnish consumers' access to nicotine pouches through legal channels, therefore decreasing the use of nicotine pouches among young people. Although these goals may seem contradictory in some aspects, by limiting the appeal and availability of nicotine pouches, the risk of nicotine addiction among minors can be reduced.


The Social Affairs and Health Committee recommends in its report that close attention should be paid to the impact of revised regulations and that regulatory measures should be further tightened if necessary. In particular, Finland should consider making adjustments in response to stricter nicotine content or additives limits set in other Nordic countries.


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