German Drug and Addiction Commissioner Backs Nicotine Pouch Ban, Calls for Stricter Regulation

Nov.22.2024

Germany's Federal Drug and Addiction Commissioner has called for stricter enforcement of the nicotine pouch ban, highlighting shortcomings in the current implementation of youth protection regulations.

According to GMX on November 22, German Federal Drug and Addiction Commissioner Burkhard Blienert is pushing for a ban on nicotine pouches.

The commissioner stated in an interview with the German news agency: "Nicotine pouches are neither healthy nor safe. People can ingest large amounts of nicotine in a short period of time through them, and the product is highly addictive."

He believes that solely relying on youth protection laws is impractical, which has been validated in the current situation of disposable vapes.

Addiction counselors pointed out that nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among students. Despite the products being banned from sale, they can still be purchased online. Prevention organizations criticized the lack of enforcement of the ban.

The coordinator of the Lower Saxony Addiction Office, Ricarda Henze, said, "The enforcement of laws protecting teenagers must be strictly monitored, and strict punishments should be imposed for violations."

Burkhard Blienert is the Commissioner for Drug and Addiction Policy of the Federal Government in Germany, and has been serving as the Federal Commissioner for Drugs in the Federal Ministry of Health under Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government since 2022.

References:

[1] Drogenbeauftragter hält an Verbot von Nikotinbeuteln fest

Also Read:

[1] E-cigarette use in Germany up 38% in seven years, disposables most popular

[2] Germany Urged to Ban Disposable Vapes Following European Examples

[3] German Customs Seizes 3,000ml of Untaxed Vape Liquid Worth €1,000

[4] PMI to shut two German factories amid falling European smoking demand

[5] German customs seize 12,500 smuggled e-cigarettes on highway

[6] German environment ministry urges EU-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes

#Europe #Legislation #Germany #Nicotine pouches

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

The U.S. Department of Justice and FDA seized 2.1 million e-cigarettes and 12 distributors and retailers were sued

Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FDA announced a joint crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes, seizing over 2.1 million unauthorized e-cigarette products from five distributors and six retailers in seven states. The companies involved had previously received warnings from the FDA but continued to sell products without market approval. This operation was jointly carried out by multiple government departments, and civil injunction lawsuits have been filed against 12 related companies an

Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply

In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Interview with IBVTA: UK Vape Tax May Weaken Harm Reduction Efforts

As the UK prepares to introduce its first-ever vape tax in 2026, questions are growing about how the measure will reshape the country’s harm reduction landscape. IBVTA tells 2Firsts that while it was not in favour of the new duty, it accepts that it is being implemented and is working with regulators to ensure a smooth rollout — warning, however, that higher costs could slow smokers’ transition to safer alternatives.

Oct.07

Samsung's battery explosion case proceeds as court finds manufacturer maintained “sufficient contacts” with the state

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., a South Korean battery manufacturer, is subject to Minnesota jurisdiction in a product-liability case involving a vape battery explosion. The court found the company had “sufficient minimum contacts” with the state through extensive business activity.