Finland Proposes Regulation on Nicotine Pouches to Combat Addiction

According to Finnish media YLE, the Finnish government is attempting to bring smokeless tobacco product - nicotine pouches under the jurisdiction of tobacco laws. Nicotine pouches are small packets that users can place in their mouths to consume. This product does not contain tobacco, and users can use it by placing it in their mouths like Swedish snus.

In order to limit the nicotine content in nicotine pouches, the government is proposing to cap the nicotine content at 20 milligrams per gram of product. Additionally, the government is looking to ban online sales of nicotine pouches and restrict the range of flavors to reduce their appeal to young people.

In the future, retailers of nicotine pouches will need to obtain sales licenses, while importers will face restrictions, pending approval from parliament on government proposals. The proposed legal reforms aim to prevent health risks and reduce the use of oral nicotine among young people.

The Finnish health agency THL classifies nicotine as an addictive stimulant. In 2023, the government issued a statement pointing out that nicotine can cause blood vessels to constrict, increase blood pressure, and make individuals more susceptible to heart arrhythmias.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has taken the lead on this legislative proposal, and the government will submit it to the legislature for review this spring.

According to reports, the smuggling of oral tobacco products from neighboring Sweden into Finland has significantly decreased due to the widespread use of strong nicotine pouches.