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

Nov.22.2024
German Drug and Addiction Commissioner Backs Nicotine Pouch Ban, Calls for Stricter Regulation
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.

 

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

Korea Consumer Forum: Heated tobacco device "Lil" wins 2025 Brand of the Year Award
Korea Consumer Forum: Heated tobacco device "Lil" wins 2025 Brand of the Year Award
KT&G's "Lil" heated tobacco brand wins Korea's "2025 Brand Award" for 8 years, introduces new "RAIIM" stick at lower price.
Sep.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France bans oral nicotine products; BAT and Philip Morris slam “counterproductive” move, health groups applaud
France bans oral nicotine products; BAT and Philip Morris slam “counterproductive” move, health groups applaud
France has banned producing, importing, distributing, and consuming oral nicotine products (e.g., nicotine pouches, gum) without parliamentary debate or multi-stakeholder consultation. This has sparked strong opposition from firms like British American Tobacco France and Philip Morris France, which argue it contradicts EU discussions, deprives smokers of reduced-harm alternatives, and lacks scientific basis. However, anti-smoking group Alliance Contre le Tabac hails it as a "victory" for public
Sep.08
Iowa E-Cigarette Law Challenged: Industry Claims New Rules Will Destroy the Industry and Violate FDA Enforcement Discretion
Iowa E-Cigarette Law Challenged: Industry Claims New Rules Will Destroy the Industry and Violate FDA Enforcement Discretion
E-cigarette sellers and buyers asked the Eighth Circuit Court to keep blocking Iowa's HF 2677 bill. The bill would make all e-cigarettes sold in Iowa get FDA approval. They say the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act blocks this law, as it steps on FDA's toes by adding penalties where FDA didn't act. If the bill goes through, businesses might close and people could lose tools to quit smoking.
Aug.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Launches New TEREA Flavor in Japan, Featuring Cool Mint and Fruity Notes
Philip Morris Launches New TEREA Flavor in Japan, Featuring Cool Mint and Fruity Notes
Philip Morris Japan will launch the new heated tobacco stick “TEREA Black Fuchsia Menthol” for IQOS ILUMA i and IQOS ILUMA on August 4. Featuring “intense cool menthol × rich fruity aroma,” it will retail at ¥580 (approx. $4) including tax. This addition expands the TEREA lineup to 23 variants.
Jul.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk on Vaping Policy: Crackdown on Independent Vape Firms Could Force Adult Users Back to Cigarettes and the Black Market
U.S. Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk on Vaping Policy: Crackdown on Independent Vape Firms Could Force Adult Users Back to Cigarettes and the Black Market
Charlie Kirk published an opinion piece in April criticizing current e-cigarette regulations, arguing that excessive oversight and litigation are not genuinely aimed at protecting youth but rather driven by political and corporate interests. He noted that this approach would force millions of adult users to lose access to low-risk alternatives, potentially pushing them back to cigarettes or toward black market products, ultimately harming public health.
Sep.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Exclusive with Former WHO Director Tikki Pang: FCTC Overlooks Tobacco Harm Reduction, and Asia’s Tobacco Control Challenges Demand Urgent Solutions
2Firsts Exclusive with Former WHO Director Tikki Pang: FCTC Overlooks Tobacco Harm Reduction, and Asia’s Tobacco Control Challenges Demand Urgent Solutions
Ahead of AFN25, 2Firsts interviewed former WHO director Tikki Pang, who reflected on two decades of the FCTC. While acknowledging its early successes, Pang pointed to its greatest shortcoming—excluding tobacco harm reduction—and noted its limited impact in Asia. He called for advancing THR and emphasized that proper regulation should balance reducing risks for adults and preventing youth access, while ensuring affordability and curbing illicit trade.
Aug.26