As nicotine pouches spread online, call for regulations, ban get louder

Oral nicotine pouches are emerging as the latest cause of concern for doctors and anti-tobacco activists. Warning that these product are highly addictive and could cause harmful effects, calls for regulations and bans are now being made. Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Drugs Control (DDC) recently issued a public alert and served show-cause notices to dealers for illegally selling these products online.

An online search showed that nicotine pouches are available for sale on at least three platforms, including an e-commerce site. Sold under various brands, these pouches come in multiple flavours and quantities.

Not approved

In the public alert, the DDC had warned against the purchase, sale and consumption of oral nicotine pouches as they are not approved in the country, and their safety, efficacy and quality were not established. It advised the public to refrain from using such nicotine pouches as an aid for smoking cessation, gutka and tobacco chewing cessation or for treating withdrawal symptoms of nicotine. The safety, efficacy and quality of such nicotine pouches are not yet established. These products directly deliver pharmacologically active substances to the bloodstream through buccal absorption and uncontrolled consumption of nicotine may result in worsened health hazards due to increased total nicotine intake.

Manufacturers, retailers, including online marketplace operators, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies in the State are also directed to refrain from manufacturing, stocking, exhibiting for sale and offering for sale (including through online portals), such unapproved oral nicotine pouches, it said.

Also Read: Anti-Tobacco Forum opposes reported launch of nicotine-laced candies, toffees, and ice creams

What’s in them

According to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, nicotine pouches are small microfiber pouches that contain a powder made of nicotine, flavourings, and other ingredients. People typically put pouches between their lips and gum. The powder dissolves in the mouth without requiring spitting, and nicotine is absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth. Stating that nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that is especially dangerous for the youth, young adults and pregnant women, the CDC said that there are no safe tobacco products, including nicotine pouches. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved nicotine pouches as a smoking cessation aid, it said.

The dangers

S. Cyril Alexander, State convenor, Tamil Nadu Peoples’ Forum for Tobacco Control, said that nicotine pouches are dangerous as they are highly addictive. “These products are being made attractive for people. Usually, children aged below 18, will become easily addicted to such products but this nicotine pouch is designed to attract even adults because of the flavours and form. We conducted checks across Tamil Nadu to see if there were retail sales of nicotine pouches, but so far, none have been found. However, these products are being sold in some States and remain easily available online. There are more than 100 online portals that sell nicotine pouches” he said.

Echoing these concerns, Surendran Veeraiah, professor and head, department of psycho-oncology and Resource Centre for Tobacco Control, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, said, “Nicotine pouches are being purchased online and are easily accessible. Nicotine is an addictive substance. The illegal sale of oral nicotine pouches has become a major concern for us.”

Being free from tobacco does not mean that nicotine pouches are harmless, he said, adding: “It has cardiovascular risks and could cause gum issues. Enforcement is crucial. With the Drugs Control Directorate issuing an alert, the cyber crime cell should be more vigilant. We need regulations, and are aiming at a total ban.”

Stringent regulations called for

Mr. Alexander pointed out that T.N.’s Drugs Control Directorate has set an example to the country by initiating proceedings against dealers recently. “No other State has taken such action. Both the Centre and States should implement a complete ban on nicotine pouches. A State-specific ban will be effective. For this, T.N. should bring in an amendment to its Public Health Act to implement the ban so that we can prevent the entry of these products in the future,” emphasised.

He added that nicotine is not only derived from tobacco as there is also synthetic nicotine. “There is every chance that industries could manipulate products, and so, such substances, in any form, should be banned. Two mg nicotine tablets and patches are allowed for nicotine replacement therapy. However, these pouches are available up to 50 mg. This is dangerous, as in the future, e-cigarettes, which India has already banned, will replace cigarette smoking, and nicotine pouches will replace chewable tobacco. Cyber crime cells should take immediate measures to curb online platforms selling nicotine pouches, while the Centre and States should bring in a complete ban,” he said.

Published – March 06, 2026 06:00 am IST