Surge in illicit nicotine pouches underscores urgent need for regulated, safer alternatives
February 12, 2025 – A surge in sales of illicit nicotine products in the UK highlights the urgent need for adult smokers to have viable, safer alternatives that are both affordable and appealing, according to leading international health experts.
Smoke Free Sweden warns that without ready access to legal harm reduction products, such as nicotine pouches, consumers may turn to unregulated and potentially dangerous options, putting public health at risk.
“Reports of a sharp rise in sales of illicit nicotine pouches highlights the demand for alternatives to smoking,” said Smoke Free Sweden leader Dr. Delon Human, a global harm reduction specialist.
“Nicotine pouches, which are tobacco-free and smoke-free, have been recognised as a significantly less harmful option. They offer smokers an effective way to transition away from cigarettes, reducing the risk of smoking-related diseases, disabilities and premature death.
“To shut down the illicit market and protect consumers, evidence-based regulation is needed that allows smokers to get affordable access to appealing safer alternatives while putting criminal suppliers of dangerous illicit products out of business.”
The BBC has reported that high-strength nicotine pouches are being sold illegally in the UK, putting thousands of users at risk.
Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has acknowledged that nicotine pouches can help reduce health risks for smokers but stresses the need for proper regulation to ensure consumer safety.
The BfR recommends a nicotine content limit of 16.6 mg per pouch, a level considered to provide nicotine doses comparable to traditional cigarettes while minimising potential risks. Some of the illicit pouches found in the market have contained 50 mg of nicotine per pouch, the BBC reported.
“Science-based regulations allow smokers access to these safer alternatives while ensuring product safety and quality,” Dr. Human added. “Effective regulation not only protects consumers but also helps prevent the spread of illicit and unregulated products that pose unknown health risks.”
Sweden has slashed its smoking rates by making safer alternatives accessible, acceptable and affordable for adults. Official figures released in November showed that the number of Swedish-born over-16s who smoke cigarettes has dropped to 4.6%, well below the global benchmark for smoke-free status.
“Sweden has set out a policy roadmap for the world,” Dr. Human said. “By embracing smokeless nicotine products as a key harm reduction tool, other countries can also eradicate smoking-related diseases and move closer to a smoke-free future.”
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Notes to editors:
About Smoke Free Sweden
Smoke Free Sweden is a movement which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden’s smoke free success can be attributed to its open attitude towards regulated alternative nicotine products.
For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.
Contact
Smoke Free Sweden
Jessica Perkins
info@smokefreesweden.org
www.smokefreesweden.org