A bill regulating nicotine pouches was passed into law on Thursday in parliament, with unanimous support garnering 43 votes in favour. The proposal was submitted by DIKO MP Chrysanthos Pantelides, aiming to address a legislative gap that had existed until now in relation to these products.
During the plenary debate, Pantelides stressed the need to regulate the market, noting that nicotine pouches are already in circulation without being subject to meaningful oversight. As he pointed out, the absence of a regulatory framework poses risks to public health, particularly when such products end up in the hands of minors.
Same restrictions as tobacco
The new law brings nicotine pouches within the existing tobacco control framework, effectively treating them as tobacco products. This means that their sale and distribution will now be subject to the same restrictions and obligations that apply to other tobacco products.
Specifically, the sale of nicotine pouches to minors is prohibited, while violations of the legislation may result in penalties including fines of up to €2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. At the same time, the competent authorities are granted a clear framework for carrying out market inspections.
In parallel with the law, the issuance of relevant regulations is expected, which will define more precisely the characteristics of products allowed on the market, including limits on nicotine content.
The adoption of the bill is considered a significant step towards regulating a market that had until now operated without clear rules, with authorities now called upon to strengthen enforcement of the legislation.
CNA