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

 China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached About USD 903 Million in March 2026, Up 4.4% Year on Year
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached About USD 903 Million in March 2026, Up 4.4% Year on Year
According to the latest country-level data released by China’s General Administration of Customs, China’s e-cigarette-related exports totaled about USD 903 million in March 2026, up about 4.4% from roughly USD 865 million a year earlier. The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany remained the top three destinations, while the top 10 markets together accounted for about 72.2% of total exports.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns to House of Lords on April 20 for Ping Pong Consideration
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns to House of Lords on April 20 for Ping Pong Consideration
The UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to return to the House of Lords on April 20 for consideration of Commons amendments in the parliamentary “ping pong” process. The bill aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by ensuring that children turning 15 this year or younger can never legally be sold tobacco. It also seeks to enable product and information requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes, and other products.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
The show had become an important check-in point for Chinese manufacturers and brand owners looking for signs of change in the U.S. market after months of softer demand. Instead, participants said the event highlighted a more restrained mood: traffic in the vape section was uneven, standout launches were limited, and conversations often failed to turn into orders.
Special Report
Apr.12
Australia Plans Tougher Penalties for Illicit Tobacco and Vape Crime
Australia Plans Tougher Penalties for Illicit Tobacco and Vape Crime
The Australian government is preparing a new crackdown on the illicit tobacco market, including stronger penalties, expanded police surveillance powers and tougher asset seizure measures.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has warned the public not to believe claims that nicotine pouches are harmless, saying the products contain high levels of nicotine that can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining and affect the nervous system and brain.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium Calls for EU-Wide Limits on Vape Ingredients and Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes
Belgium Calls for EU-Wide Limits on Vape Ingredients and Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has called on the European Union to take stronger action on vaping, saying it is becoming an “epidemic” and accusing the industry of targeting young people.
Mar.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai