Ukraine Military Voices Concern Over Potential Vape and Pouch Ban

Nov.10.2025
Ukraine Military Voices Concern Over Potential Vape and Pouch Ban
Verkhovna Rada is reviewing six bills to regulate new nicotine products such as pouches and vapes. The main bill, No.14110, proposes a total ban on production, import, and sale, while alternative proposals seek regulation instead of prohibition.

Key Point

  • Six draft laws address nicotine pouches, sachets, and vapes.
  • Main bill No.14110 calls for a full ban on production and sales.
  • Military and experts oppose the ban, citing use among soldiers.
  • Alternative bills propose regulation, registration, and labeling.
  • Bill No.14110-4 also seeks to ban e-cigarettes and refill containers.

 


 

2Firsts, Nov. 10, 2025 — According to Vox Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada is considering six draft laws to establish rules for new nicotine products — including pouches, sachets, and other smoke-free items containing nicotine but not tobacco.

 

The main bill, No.14110, defines “nicotine products for oral use” as those consumed through the mouth’s mucous membrane, such as pouches or sachets, and proposes a complete ban on their production, import, sale, and circulation within Ukraine.

 

Several military personnel and public health experts have voiced opposition to the total ban, noting that nicotine pouches are widely used among Ukrainian soldiers. They do not require fire, do not reveal positions at night, and are convenient in the field. 

 

The state also collects significant tax revenue from these products — around UAH 1 billion expected in 2025. Opponents warn that a full ban could drive the market underground, as happened with flavored vapes, 93% of which are now illicit, and cause budget losses.

 

Alternative bills, however, aim to regulate rather than prohibit nicotine pouches and tobacco-free products by setting unified rules for their circulation. 

 

Most require manufacturers to notify the Ministry of Health before market entry — three months (Bills Nos.14110-2, -4, -5) or six months (Bill No.14110-1) — and to submit detailed information on composition, nicotine content, toxicological data, and production processes.

 

The proposed nicotine strength limits vary: 20 mg per portion in most bills, or 17 mg under Bill No.14110-3. All versions prohibit advertising, sponsorship, sales to minors, and any state support for production. 

 

Packaging would need to display product details — including composition, dosage, and production date — along with a mandatory health warning. For example, Bill No.14110-3 requires the warning to cover at least 30% of the package, while Bill No.14110-5 mandates the label: “This product contains nicotine and causes addiction.”

 

Bill No.14110-4 separately proposes a full ban on the production, import, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and refill containers.

 

Lawmakers are now debating how to balance public health goals with economic interests and existing use among the military.

Image source: Vox Ukraine

 

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

ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the government would not ease its action against e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco and would continue strengthening regulation, legislation, and enforcement. Speaking at the launch of a new program to help young people quit vaping, she said reducing tobacco excise would not materially reduce profits in the illicit tobacco market.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Boton Group Posts 2025 Revenue of RMB 1.496 Billion, With E-Cigarette Product Revenue Up 4.6%
China Boton Group Posts 2025 Revenue of RMB 1.496 Billion, With E-Cigarette Product Revenue Up 4.6%
China Boton Group reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Revenue was RMB 1.496 billion, down about 9.5% from RMB 1.653 billion in 2024. Gross profit was RMB 377.1 million, with a gross margin of 25.2%, and the group recorded a net loss of RMB 1.000 billion for the year.
Mar.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s tobacco regulator names Yao Laiying as top leader
China’s tobacco regulator names Yao Laiying as top leader
China’s tobacco regulator has undergone a top leadership change, according to an official announcement on March 20.
Mar.20
West Virginia House Passes 5% Income Tax Cut and Rejects Vape Tax Increase
West Virginia House Passes 5% Income Tax Cut and Rejects Vape Tax Increase
The West Virginia House of Delegates debates income tax cut bill before session's end, rejecting Senate's e-cigarette tax amendment.With one day left in the legislative session, the West Virginia House spent more than an hour debating amendments to an income tax reduction bill.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
Philip Morris International (PMI), through its subsidiary Swedish Match, has started large-scale production at a 600,000-square-foot ZYN nicotine pouch facility in Aurora, Colorado. The $600 million investment makes the site one of three ZYN manufacturing plants in the United States and the company’s second U.S. facility after Owensboro, Kentucky.
PMI
Feb.21
Haypp Voluntarily Sets a 20 mg Nicotine-Strength Cap for Nicotine Pouches and Urges the UK to Establish a Regulatory Limit
Haypp Voluntarily Sets a 20 mg Nicotine-Strength Cap for Nicotine Pouches and Urges the UK to Establish a Regulatory Limit
Online nicotine pouch retailer Haypp said it has voluntarily adopted a 20 mg per pouch nicotine-strength cap across its e-commerce platforms and is urging the UK government to formalize that cap as the limit as it develops a regulatory framework. Haypp said proportionate limits would protect consumers while preserving nicotine pouches as a viable reduced-risk alternative to cigarettes.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai