European cancer leagues have welcomed this week’s announcement by the French government to ban the sale of nicotine pouches, making it the latest country to take steps against the health risks of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products. However, nicotine pouches remain unregulated at the EU level, leaving a significant gap in health protection.
26 February 2025
With its decree presented to the European Commission on Monday, France has joined countries like Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium to have proposed measures to ban nicotine pouches.
Yet, at the EU level, these products remain outside the scope of regulation. The European Commission dedicated itself to review the Tobacco Products Directive and related products as part of the EU Beating Cancer Plan – yet 4 years after the launch of the Plan, no concrete steps have been taken.
“The EU needs to step in and ban nicotine pouches as soon as possible. These products are a known gateway to smoking, are known to cause tumour growth, and allow the tobacco industry to bypass smoke-free regulations”, says Nico Latteur, Policy Officer at the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL). “The European Commission should include regulation for nicotine pouches and other emerging alternatives to traditional cigarettes in the promised revision of the Tobacco Products Directive and publish the update without delay.”
Background:
France’s move to ban the sale of nicotine pouches comes just weeks after a French parliament vote to prohibit disposable e-cigarettes, becoming the second European country after Belgium to do so.
Nicotine pouches are small products that contain a high concentration of nicotine powder, and are used orally by being placed under the upper lip to release nicotine.
Nicotine is a profoundly addictive chemical that poses significant health risks. It serves as a potential gateway to cigarette smoking and the use of other harmful substances. Additionally, nicotine has been linked to adverse effects on brain development, health risks during pregnancy and foetal development, and to the promotion of tumour growth [1, 2].
For more information about ECL’s position on novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products, read our recommendations for tobacco control.
For further information, please contact Ivonne Leenen, Communications Officer at the European Cancer Leagues (ECL): ivonne@cancer.eu
The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is a non-profit, pan-European umbrella organisation of national and regional cancer societies. ECL provides an exclusive platform for members to collaborate with their international peers, primarily in the areas of cancer prevention, access to medicines and patient support, and creates opportunities to advocate for these issues at the EU level. Transparency registry no: 19265592757-25
