Reanimation package of reforms > News > Statements > Public Statement in Support of Regulating Nicotine Pouches at the Same Level as Tobacco Products
On behalf of civil society organizations not affiliated with the tobacco or alcohol industries, we declare the urgent need for legislative regulation of nicotine pouches at least at the same level as tobacco products and call on Members of Parliament to support, as a basis, draft law No. 14110-d “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Regulation of Nicotine-Containing Products.”
Since nicotine pouches appeared on the market in 2019, current legislation has failed to ensure their proper regulation. As a result, nicotine pouches are freely sold to children and adolescents (persons under 18 years of age). The tobacco industry aggressively promotes nicotine pouches, primarily targeting children and youth, which is already leading to alarming consequences.
Nicotine pouches are consumed by placing a nicotine-containing pouch in the mouth on the gums under the lip. Their discreet method of use and widespread availability make nicotine pouches a threat to children’s health that often goes unnoticed by parents and teachers.
According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of nicotine pouch use among children aged 13–15 has already reached 3%, which is ten times higher than among adults (0.3%). Therefore, any calls to delay or weaken the regulation of nicotine pouches serve the commercial interests of the tobacco industry and aim to preserve opportunities to involve children in nicotine addiction.
Currently, a single portion of a nicotine pouch may contain 20 mg of nicotine or more, and a pack may contain 400 mg or more. This leads to uncontrolled intake of nicotine into the human body. Nicotine is highly toxic and particularly dangerous for children and adolescents. Its effects are associated with impaired brain development, cognitive disorders, problems with memory and concentration, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of cardiovascular complications.
Nicotine dependence is classified as a behavioral and mental disorder under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 and ICD-11).
The provisions of draft law No. 14110-d propose regulating nicotine pouches at the same level as tobacco products, including:
The provisions of the draft law are consistent with Ukraine’s European integration commitments in accordance with paragraphs 53, 54, and 55 of the preamble and Article 24(3) of Directive 2014/40/EU.
The provisions of the draft law are supported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the World Health Organization, both emphasizing that the highest level of public health protection is achieved through a complete ban on such products.
Bans on nicotine pouches are already in force in several European countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and will come into effect during 2026 in Moldova and France. It should be emphasized that draft law No. 14110-d does not propose banning the sale of nicotine pouches.
When making this decision, we insist on compliance with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which obliges the state to protect public health policies from interference by the tobacco industry, as well as Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine No. 2899-IV, which establishes the principle of prioritizing public health policy over financial, tax, and corporate interests of entities whose activities are related to the tobacco industry.
We call on the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to support draft law No. 14110-d as a necessary step to protect the health of current and future generations, prevent tens of thousands of deaths caused by nicotine-related diseases, and ensure the country’s demographic recovery through the formation of a healthy generation. The adoption of this decision also reflects the implementation of the Constitution of Ukraine, which states: “A person, their life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are recognized in Ukraine as the highest social value.”
Association of Public Advisors of Ukraine
NGO “Parents for Vaccination”
NGO “Fight for Rights”
Detector Media
Institute of Civil Society
Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting
Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation
Institute Respublika
Institute for Regional Press Development
Institute for Central European Strategy
Committee of Voters of Ukraine
National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine
Plast
NGO “Together Against Corruption”
Charitable Foundation “East-SOS”
International Charitable Foundation “Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health”
Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies
Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation
Center for Civic Advocacy “Life”
Center for Democracy and Rule of Law
Center for Research of the Liberation Movement
Center for Economic Growth LRHub
Center for Political Studies and Analytics “Eidos”
Center for Innovation Development
Center of Policy and Legal Reforms
Ukrainian Center for European Policy
School of Political Analytics
NGO “Legal Hundred”
NGO “EasyBusiness”
NGO “Anti-Corruption Headquarters”
Campaign “Youth Free from Smoking”
NGO “Community of Active Youth – SAM”
