Experts call for tighter regulation on nicotine pouches targeting youth

AMA vice-president Associate Professor Julian Rait said nicotine pouches are sold with “appealing branding to young people and sold online with minimal friction”, despite having no approved therapeutic indication in Australia.

“A non-industrial study showed that nicotine absorption from 30 mg nicotine pouches was comparable to that from a single cigarette, and some pouches contained up to 150 mg nicotine,” Rait said.

“Regulators should not wait for the use of nicotine pouches to become entrenched in Australia.”

Professor Rait said nicotine pouches can cause mouth and gum irritation, stomach upset, nausea and high blood pressure.

The association says there are currently no approved nicotine pouches on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), meaning none should be supplied through ‘routine channels’.

Professor Rait said the AMA is in favor of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s proposed changes, which would prevent access to unapproved nicotine pouches through existing routes such as access schemes and personal import schemes.

The association also noted how the rapid growth in sales of these unregulated products has exposed a shortcoming in government regulation and enforcement of synthetic nicotine.

“Without stronger, technology-neutral rules and consistent national enforcement, suppliers will continue to exploit gray areas,” said Professor Rait.

“We need stronger safeguards including effective online compliance and take-down processes, clear and consistent health warnings, child-resistant packaging and better monitoring of adverse reactions and poisoning symptoms to inform ongoing regulatory action.”

British ministers also have significant new powers to regulate the flavours, packaging and display of vaping and nicotine products, to make them less attractive to minors.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Be the first to receive your latest news and exclusive stories by following us on all platforms.