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

South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea will implement amendments to its Tobacco Business Act on April 24, 2026, officially classifying synthetic nicotine liquid e-cigarettes as tobacco. This marks the first revision of the legal definition of tobacco since 1988. Once in effect, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be subject to existing tobacco regulations, including health warnings, advertising restrictions, smoke-free area enforcement, and youth protection measures.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scientific talk in Bursa Nilüfer spotlights cigarette and e-cigarette addiction and youth risks
Scientific talk in Bursa Nilüfer spotlights cigarette and e-cigarette addiction and youth risks
Nilüfer Municipality in Bursa held a scientific talk titled “Does Addiction Change Form? Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes and Lung Health” as part of February 9 Quit Smoking Day, aiming to raise awareness of the social impact of tobacco addiction. Experts discussed cigarette and e-cigarette addiction, risks for young people, harms of secondhand smoke for children, and health outcomes linked to tobacco use.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has filed a public civil action seeking to compel the federal government and Anvisa to establish a strict, enforceable regulatory framework for electronic smoking devices, replacing the current blanket ban. The lawsuit calls for mandatory product registration, nicotine caps, bans on youth-targeted advertising, and clear health warnings on packaging, and demands a national consumption report and an implementation timetable within 90 days.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
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
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to open a Section 337 investigation into Heaven Gifts International — the umbrella company behind Elf Bars and Geek Bars — its subsidiaries and nine U.S. distributors.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has again lost on appeal in its damages lawsuit against KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea, seeking ₩53.3 billion (about $36.244 million).
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai