Netherlands to Ban Nicotine Pouches and Advertising

On April 21st, according to reports from Dutch media outlet nu.nl, the Dutch government has decided to ban the sale of nicotine pouches and prohibit their advertising. This will further restrict the use of alternative smokeless products.

Currently, this ban still needs to be submitted to the Dutch parliament for review.

Firsts previously reported that Maarten van Ooijen, Dutch Secretary of State responsible for health, welfare, and sports, announced a complete ban on nicotine pouches and promised to continue promoting anti-smoking campaigns in the future.

In this instance, Aoki Kin continued to state that the tobacco industry is continuously introducing new tobacco and nicotine products that do not contain tobacco, making it easier for young people to come into contact with nicotine.

Maarten van Ooijen | Photo credit: NOS.

According to Oi Kin, this is a bad thing because nicotine is addictive and harmful. Therefore, it is reasonable to treat products that can be used as tobacco product alternatives under the same laws.

I am pleased that we have decided to handle these products in the same way. This is a new step forward in our efforts to create a smoke-free generation.

There are also some nicotine pouches containing tobacco, but these products have been banned under the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Act.

Additionally, the Dutch government is making every effort to combat smoking. Smoking is no longer allowed in the catering industry, and sports clubs have also become smoke-free zones. In recent years, the number of cigarette sales points has significantly decreased.

Starting from 2024, supermarkets will no longer sell tobacco. From 2030, the sale of tobacco products in gas stations and convenience stores will also gradually decrease. In addition, tobacco taxes were raised by 1 euro in April 2023. As of January 1, 2023, the Netherlands banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping liquids, except for tobacco flavors. However, the Dutch government has allowed a grace period for retailers to clear their stock until October 1, 2023, during which they cannot sell new flavors. After October 1, the sale of these products will be officially prohibited in the Netherlands.

Further reading:

Nearly two-thirds of businesses in the Netherlands sell e-cigarettes to minors.

Belgium officially announces the ban on selling nicotine pouches.

Dutch Secretary of State plans to completely ban nicotine pouch products.

Reference(s):

Alternative smoke-free products limited: nicotine pouches without tobacco banned.