Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer

Key Points:

• Department of Health considering nicotine pouch ban.
• 1% of Irish adults use nicotine pouches; 3% among ages 15–24.
• Men use them more than women.
• Tobacco sales to under-21s will be banned from 2028.
• Belgium, France, and the Netherlands already enforce bans.

2Firsts, Nov. 10, 2025 — According to The Irish Times, Ireland’s Department of Health is examining a ban on nicotine pouches as part of broader efforts to reduce nicotine use among children and young adults.

Nicotine pouches, which are white sachets containing powdered nicotine, flavourings, and other ingredients, are widely available in Ireland and typically placed between the lip and gum.

The 2025 Healthy Ireland survey found that 1% of the population uses nicotine pouches, with usage rising to 3% among 15–24-year-olds. Men are more likely than women to use them.

Concerns have been raised over the health risks of these products, with teachers reporting their increasing use among schoolchildren.

Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan confirmed that the Department of Health is considering extending existing tobacco control legislation to cover nicotine pouches.

“Ireland has been a global leader in tobacco control,” said Prof. Horgan. “We are particularly looking at tobacco pouches as part of any amendment to the current tobacco bill. It’s a concern, and legislation should have an impact once introduced.”

Ireland has already passed several measures to reduce nicotine use, including a ban on tobacco sales to people under 21 starting in 2028, and upcoming legislation to prohibit single-use, flavoured, and coloured vapes.

These steps are intended to reduce the “attractiveness and availability” of nicotine products among young people.

Several EU member states — including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands — have already banned nicotine pouches, while others are considering similar restrictions.

Image source: The Irish Times