PMI’s Portuguese unit to launch nicotine pouches in 2026 after tax clarification

Mar.10
PMI’s Portuguese unit to launch nicotine pouches in 2026 after tax clarification
After Portugal included nicotine pouches in the excise-tax (IEC) framework for tobacco and nicotine products, PMI’s Portuguese subsidiary Tabaqueira confirmed it will begin selling nicotine pouches in the country this year. The company is preparing a soft launch in two stores ahead of wider distribution, as the tax and regulatory position becomes clearer.

Key Points

 

  • Tabaqueira (PMI Portugal) says nicotine pouches will go on sale in Portugal this year.
  • Portugal has added nicotine pouches to the excise-tax (IEC) product list.
  • Pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco; distinct from traditional tobacco snus (banned in most EU states).
  • The company is preparing a soft launch in two stores before scaling up.
  • Portugal projects €71 million (~$82.36m) in additional tobacco-tax revenue and a total of €1.67bn (~$1.937bn) (FX: €1 = $1.16).

 


 

2Firsts, March 10, 2026

 

According to ECO, PMI’s Portuguese subsidiary Tabaqueira has confirmed it will begin selling nicotine pouches in Portugal this year, following the government’s move to include nicotine pouches in the excise-tax (IEC) framework for tobacco and nicotine products. The clarification is widely seen as a key prerequisite for bringing pouch sales into mainstream retail channels.

 

The report notes that Tabaqueira is preparing a soft launch in two stores ahead of a broader rollout, though it has not provided a full timeline. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco and are typically placed between the gum and lip. They are often discussed alongside Swedish snus, but unlike tobacco-based snus (banned across most EU member states except Sweden under an accession exemption), nicotine pouches are permitted in many EU markets.

 

On tax revenues, Portugal expects an additional €71 million (about $82.36 million) in tobacco-related excise proceeds and projects a total of €1.67 billion (about $1.937 billion) (FX: €1 = $1.16). Tabaqueira employs around 1,500 people in Portugal.

 

Image source: ECO

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

Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) will launch a program allowing inmates to buy sealed disposable nicotine vapes and packs of nicotine pouches through prison commissaries. Tobacco has been banned in Oklahoma prisons for 10 years, and cigarettes and cigars will remain prohibited.
Feb.28
Korea’s MFDS sets 2026 plan to manage and disclose harmful constituents in tobacco products
Korea’s MFDS sets 2026 plan to manage and disclose harmful constituents in tobacco products
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) said it has established its 2026 work plan to systematically manage harmful constituents in tobacco products and disclose related information under the Tobacco Harmfulness Management Act, which took effect in November 2025.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
HB337 Moves Forward: Cigarette and Nicotine Taxes Set to Rise in Utah
HB337 Moves Forward: Cigarette and Nicotine Taxes Set to Rise in Utah
Utah lawmakers are advancing HB337, a bill that would raise the state cigarette tax by $2 per pack and restructure taxes on other nicotine products. The proposal replaces weight-based taxes with percentage-based rates and removes reduced rates for certain modified risk products. Supporters say it will curb youth tobacco use, while opponents warn of cross-border shopping and harm to consumers seeking alternatives.
Feb.17
Kazakhstan’s Almaty crackdown: Telegram channels used to sell banned vapes, six face charges
Kazakhstan’s Almaty crackdown: Telegram channels used to sell banned vapes, six face charges
Authorities in Almaty have uncovered a large illegal vape distribution scheme, seizing and destroying more than 180,000 vapes. Prosecutors said potential revenue from sales could have exceeded 1 billion tenge. Suspects allegedly sold the banned products through Telegram channels and social media, storing inventory in warehouses and covert locations.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | VOZOL launches new GEAR-series device in the UK and UAE, featuring a 2.1-inch colour screen and sound interaction
Product | VOZOL launches new GEAR-series device in the UK and UAE, featuring a 2.1-inch colour screen and sound interaction
Vape brand VOZOL has recently listed a disposable shisha-style product, the GEAR HOOKAH 40000, on its official website. Public information shows the device comes with a 26ml e-liquid capacity, offers 3mg/ml and 5mg/ml nicotine strengths, and is marketed at 25,000–40,000 puffs. It is currently available via selected online retail channels in the UK and the UAE.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai