Monthly Archives: May 2025

Understanding Relative Risk: A Comprehensive Review of Nicotine Products and What It Means for Harm Reduction

A newly updated systematic review and meta-analysis published in F1000Research delivers one of the most comprehensive evaluations to date on the relative risks of nicotine delivery products. The findings are timely—and critical—for public health officials, regulators, and harm reduction advocates working to reshape tobacco policy for the 21st century. 🔍 Study Overview Researchers reviewed 123…

The EU’s Tax Proposal on Safer Nicotine Products: A Step Backward for Public Health

Reports have emerged that the European Commission may be preparing a significant tax increase on safer nicotine alternatives—including nicotine pouches and vaping products—by mid-2025. Though not yet confirmed, the leaked plans have stirred concern across industry and public health stakeholders, particularly as EU Tax Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has recently been touring member state capitals seeking…

The Hidden Threat: Illicit Nicotine Pouches in the Middle East and North Africa

In the fast-evolving landscape of nicotine products, a silent threat is gaining momentum across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): illicit nicotine pouches. While this product category is still relatively new to the region, its rapid growth—especially in Saudi Arabia—has created both success stories and serious challenges. A Promising Start, Followed by Illicit Surge…

GINN Insight: The Unintended Consequences of Raising Taxes on Nicotine Alternatives in the EU — Lessons from Australia

Governments often turn to taxation as a lever to reduce public health risks, curb nicotine use, and generate revenue. In principle, that makes sense. But having seen Australia’s approach firsthand—as a former Australian Federal Police officer and founder of the Tobacco Strike Team—I can tell you this: when taxation goes too far, the consequences are…

Protecting the UK Market from Illicit Nicotine Pouches: Lessons from Australia’s Mistakes

The Growing Challenge of Illicit Nicotine Products As nicotine pouches gain traction in the UK as a smoke-free alternative, I believe we’re approaching a critical policy crossroads. The decisions made today will determine whether this market grows under a responsible, harm-reduction framework—or falls prey to the kind of illicit chaos I witnessed firsthand in Australia.…

Spain’s Royal Decree on Nicotine Products Faces Unified EU Rejection

The European Commission and several EU Member States have formally reviewed the draft Royal Decree submitted by Spain which proposes modifications to Spain’s national legislation governing the manufacturing, presentation, and marketing of tobacco products and related products. This draft decree was formally notified to the Commission on January 24, 2025, utilizing the procedure established by…

Scotland’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill: A Call for Responsible Marketing

As Scotland deliberates the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the discourse surrounding nicotine pouches has intensified. Professor Linda Bauld, a leading public health expert, has weighed in on the matter, offering insights into the relative harm of nicotine pouches compared to traditional cigarettes and emphasizing the need for responsible marketing practices. Understanding the Harm Profile Professor…

GINN Welcomes Joe (Youssef) Sakr as Associate Director, MENA: Advancing Harm Reduction in the Middle East

The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) is proud to announce the appointment of Joe (Youssef) Sakr as Associate Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This exciting addition to GINN’s leadership team underscores our commitment to advancing harm reduction and nicotine innovation in a region that is beginning to embrace the potential…

Credibility, Taxation, and the Illicit Market: Tim Phillips’ Urgent Perspective

Tim Phillips, Managing Director of TobaccoIntelligence, provided an overview with a frank assessment of the challenges—and opportunities—facing novel nicotine products under the EU’s evolving Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). The Tax Credibility Paradox Phillips underscored a unique irony: while taxation is often viewed as punitive, being taxed can actually confer regulatory legitimacy. “Without excise, regulators and…

Could Oral Nicotine Pouches Support Harm Reduction in the Middle East?

As smoking rates remain stubbornly high across much of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), health authorities and policymakers are exploring new ways to remember duce the region’s tobacco-related disease burden. One such possibility—oral nicotine pouches—is starting to enter the conversation. A recent article from Economy Middle East raises the question: Could these smoke-free…