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

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