Australia classifies 6-methylnicotine, a nicotine analogue, as a prohibited substance

Starting from 1^er In October 2026, 6-methylnicotine (sometimes called 6-MN or Metatine), a nicotine analogue found in e-cigarettes and oral pouches marketed as "nicotine-free" or "nicotine alternative," will be classified as a prohibited substance in Australia, under the Poisons Standard. The final decision was made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which believes this classification is necessary to protect the public, particularly given the substance's acute toxicity and high potential for addiction.[1].

A substance deemed toxic, addictive and useless, now strictly banned in the country

The TGA indicates that 6-methylnicotine Nicotine has been identified in several e-cigarette liquids marketed in Australia as nicotine-free or as a nicotine alternative. There is also evidence that this substance is being incorporated into nicotine pouches. Regulation of this analogue was introduced due to the public health risks associated with these products, particularly for vulnerable populations. The TGA also notes the potentially misleading nature of product labeling as "nicotine-free." Toxicological studies suggest that this substance may have a higher affinity for certain nicotinic receptors, potentially leading to more severe withdrawal symptoms and accelerating the development of addiction. The lack of standardized dosage in illicit products further increases the risk of accidental overdose and acute poisoning.

The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing initially proposed classifying 6-methylnicotine in Schedule 7, corresponding to a hazardous substance. However, after reviewing the recommendations of the Drug Classification Advisory Committee, the TGA delegate opted for a stricter classification in Schedule 9. This category allows for a more stringent legal framework and greater penalties for illegal supply or possession under federal, state, and territorial legislation.

The decision follows a public consultation that received 163 contributions, nine of which included a written component. An additional contribution was received after the publication of the provisional decision and supported the classification in Schedule 9. The TGA emphasizes that no therapeutic benefit has been identified for 6-methylnicotine and that no currently marketed legal product in Australia will be affected by this decision. The new classification will take effect on 1^er October 2026, and will empower border forces and national health agencies to seize products containing this substance and prosecute distributors. Customs officers have received updated detection protocols to identify the chemical signature of 6-methylnicotine in imported goods.

Nationwide, state police will be authorized to raid retail outlets suspected of stocking this banned analogue. The threat of severe penalties, including substantial fines and prison sentences, should deter legitimate businesses from inadvertently stocking contaminated or mislabeled products.

This measure is part of the government's broader efforts to dismantle the illicit trade in vaping products, which has grown since the 2024 reforms limiting sales to the exclusive use of pharmacies.

A product used by manufacturers to circumvent nicotine regulations and target young people

Manufacturers have used 6-methylnicotine to circumvent Australia's strict legislation governing the sale of prescription vaping nicotine.[2]. By marketing this analogue as a "nicotine alternative" or "nicotine-free", companies have flooded parallel markets with unauthorized products, thus circumventing the rigorous safety assessments required for therapeutic products that may be authorized.

These metatin-based products are often sold in brightly colored packaging and sweet flavors, specifically targeting young people. In this way, manufacturers seek to circumvent the legal and financial barriers associated with prescription vaping. The TGA's intervention aims to fill this gap in chemical regulation and paves the way for potential future regulations on other substances that mimic the pharmacological effects of nicotine.

Public health experts are calling for a broad definition of nicotine to prevent future circumvention.

The Australian decision echoes warnings from public health experts regarding 6-methylnicotine, already identified in vaping products and oral pouches marketed as "nicotine-free." In France, The National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) has therefore called for regulations not to be limited to nicotine alone., but to extend it to all substances that exert a pharmacological action on nicotinic receptors, in order to prevent new molecules from being used to circumvent existing regulations. This approach aims to anticipate the rapid emergence of new products rather than adapting regulations after they have been launched on the market.

The association also recommended strengthening controls, sanctions, and enforcement of bans on unauthorized nicotine products, as well as combating their promotion, particularly online. Beyond this, the issue of online accessibility of nicotine and related products arises.

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[1]Amanda Sheppeard, Regulator outlaws nicotine substitute, Medical Republic, published September 28, 2026, accessed the same day

[2]Australia Bans Synthetic Nicotine Analogue in Vapes and Oral Pouches, Streamline, published on September 28, 2026, accessed the same day

National Committee Against Smoking |