Nicotine Pouch Regulation Bill to Parliament in April

The bill regulating the circulation of nicotine pouches is expected to be discussed in Parliament in early April. The aim is to control these products to protect public health and combat smuggling, according to statements by DIKO MP, Chrysής Pantelidis.

The Parliamentary Health Committee examined the bill submitted by Mr. Pantelidis, which aims to integrate nicotine pouches into the existing legislative framework for smoking control. Mr. Pantelidis explained that despite the circulation of these products in Cyprus, there is no regulatory framework for their marketing, content, and quality.

The bill aims to create a state control mechanism to protect public health and combat smuggling. According to Mr. Pantelidis, some of the products come from the occupied territories, making it difficult to control the quality and nicotine content.

With the enactment of the legislation, nicotine pouches will be treated like tobacco products, with content checks, taxation, customs marking, and a ban on sales to minors. Mr. Pantelidis stated that nicotine pouches are mainly used by smokers as a substitute for smoking and that in Scandinavian countries, their use has led to a reduction in traditional smoking and improved public health.