UK warns against selling nicotine pouches to minors

A few weeks after the ban on the 1^er June 2025 of disposable e-cigarettes in the United Kingdom, a measure aimed at reducing addiction among young people, the regulatory authorities warn of the anarchic and dangerous sale of nicotine pouches to a very young population, particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction[1].

Disposable e-cigarettes are gradually being replaced by nicotine pouches

Many businesses have replaced these products with nicotine pouches, often colorful and sweetly flavored. These products, also known as "snus," are now prominently displayed in stores that previously sold disposable e-cigarettes to minors.

These pouches, small and similar to tea bags, contain nicotine, flavorings, and sweeteners. They are placed under the upper lip, allowing direct absorption of nicotine through the gums. The pouches can contain between 1.5 mg and 20 mg of nicotine, like an e-cigarette, but are not regulated as specific tobacco or nicotine products.[2].

Available in flavors similar to those of e-cigarettes, such as tropical mango, red berries, or iced cherry, they are causing growing concern, particularly because of their discreet nature, which makes them difficult for teachers or parents to detect.

" The availability of potentially dangerous products promoted and sold to our children seems endless. " said Duncan Stephenson, director of policy and external affairs at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

The ban on disposable e-cigarettes does not prevent either the emergence of “semi-disposable” electronic cigarettes imported from China, similar in appearance and price range to disposable e-cigarettes but equipped with replaceable pods. These are flooding the points of sale, thus undermining the health and environmental objectives of the United Kingdom.

Between regulatory uncertainty and growing concerns, nicotine consumption among minors is increasing

Currently, nicotine pouches are not clearly regulated by UK law, as they are neither considered tobacco products nor strictly nicotine products. In the absence of a clear legal framework, it is legal to sell these products to minors, regardless of their age.

A A YouGov study commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows that awareness of these products among under-18s is increasing. : 43 % of young people had heard of it in 2025, compared to 38 % in 2024. Approximately 4 % of a representative sample of adolescents, aged 11 to 17, report having already used it. Compared to the national population, this represents approximately 210,000 minors.

Health professionals call for speeding up strict regulation of the sale of nicotine pouches

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently under discussion in the British Parliament, plans to ban the sale of these nicotine pouches to people under 18. The bill also aims to restrict flavors that appeal to children, regulate packaging, and regulate how they are presented in stores.

The CTSI is calling for swift passage of this legislation, highlighting the increase in reports from parents and teachers. According to Kate Pike, head of tobacco and e-cigarettes at the CTSI, " Retailers continue to target children without us currently having the legal means to intervene ".

Hazel Cheeseman, Director of ASH, adds that while these products are likely less harmful than smoked tobacco, they contain nicotine, an addictive substance whose long-term effects remain uncertain. She deplores the delay in Parliament, even though legislative tools are already available.

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that the bill aims to ban the sale of nicotine pouches to minors and apply the same restrictions as for tobacco products on advertising, flavors, and presentation, with the aim of protecting younger generations from nicotine addiction.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AD

[1]ITV, Warning issued over shops selling nicotine pouches to children, published July 17, 2025, accessed July 17, 2025

[2]Rebecca Whittaker, Addictive nicotine pouches can legally be sold to children in shops, Independent, published July 17, 2025, accessed July 17, 2025

National Committee Against Smoking |