Which Countries Have Banned Nicotine Pouches And Why Is This Potentially A Bad Thing?

Nathan Chilcott

The Law

When nicotine pouches first hit the market in 2008 there were very few regulations. It was simply another option available to help smokers quit.

However, as time has passed, nicotine pouches have become exceptionally popular. This has attracted more attention and resulted in some countries introducing nicotine pouch regulations.

"Some countries, such as France, have even banned nicotine pouches entirely.”

Countries Which Have Banned Nicotine Pouches

France banned nicotine pouches in February 2025 and, in doing so, became the latest European country to do so.

It’s important to understand that the EU doesn’t have any current pouch legislation. This means individual member countries are free to create their own legal framework.

While some have banned pouches, others have introduced restrictions, and some are still waiting for the EU guidelines.

At present, nicotine pouches are banned in:

• France – All pouches are banned as they are too appealing to young people and too similar to snus.
• Netherlands – The Netherlands also banned nicotine pouch sales in January 2025. However, prior to the ban, there was limited availability of nicotine pouches as legislation prohibited the sale of pouches with high nicotine content.
• Latvia – Nicotine pouch sales were banned in Latvia to anyone under 21 as of January 2025.
• Germany – Germany is unique in that it classified nicotine pouches as food. It has allowed them to ban the pouches as their nicotine content is a health hazard.

It is still possible to order pouches online.

• Belgium – Pouches have been banned since 2023! They are viewed as an introduction to smoking.
• Denmark – Currently legal, but as of April 2026, they can only be sold in tobacco or menthol flavours. The abundance of other nicotine pouch flavours will be banned.
• Luxembourg and Czech Republic – Currently illegal to sell to minors.
• Finland – Just created a ban on all flavours other than tobacco or menthol.
• Poland – Preparing to ban any pouches using synthetic nicotine.
• Austria – Moving toward a ban on sales to minors.
• Hungary – As of 2024, nicotine pouches must contain health warnings, and the pouches can be no stronger than 17 mg.
• Australia – Ban on nicotine pouches unless you have a prescription.

Why Bans Are Potentially A Bad Thing

On the face of it, nicotine pouches may seem like a good thing. This is because health authorities are pushing the idea that they are addictive and attractive to young people.

However, research needs to be done regarding how many of these young people would start smoking if pouches weren’t available.

After all, while pouches may be addictive, they are less harmful than smoking.

Potentially worse is the fact that making pouches illegal will encourage black market sales. There are still plenty of pouches for sale in countries which have banned nicotine pouches.

Unfortunately, it’s harder to regulate the black market. Customers may not be getting the quality they expect. It’s even possible the pouches will be dangerous to your health.

Further, when pouches are banned, the police have to spend valuable resources checking and dealing with nicotine pouch discoveries.

Summing Up

It’s possible to ban nicotine pouches, but this is likely to make them more attractive to buyers. Governments and health officials are likely to see better results by allowing their sale and regulating them.

In the meantime, if you are allowed to purchase them, try the experience now while it’s legal.