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

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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?

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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…

Study Explores How Flavors Influence Nicotine Pouch Use—What It Means for Adult Harm Reduction

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A new study highlighted by Medical Xpress raises important questions about the role of flavors in nicotine pouches—and how they may influence the product’s appeal and addictiveness. As nicotine pouches gain traction as smoke-free alternatives, understanding these dynamics is essential for responsible public health policy. Here’s what the research shows, and why balanced regulation—not panic—is…

Canadian Conservatives Propose Ending Pharmacy-Only Rule for Nicotine Pouches: A Win for Freedom of Choice

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A major shift had been proposed for Canada’s nicotine market. The federal Conservative Party recently announced plans to end the restrictive pharmacy-only rule for nicotine pouches, aiming to open wider access to these smoke-free products for adult consumers. However, with the Liberals looking set to retain power in the upcoming federal election, the future of…

Setting the Record Straight: Nicotine Pouches Are Not for Youth—They’re Harm Reduction Tools for Adult Smokers

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A recent article by Griffith University’s Blurred Minds Academy raises concerns about nicotine pouches, suggesting that they are being marketed in a way that appeals to minors. While protecting youth is critical, this narrative misrepresents the purpose and regulatory framework surrounding these products—and risks derailing an important harm reduction strategy for adults seeking safer alternatives…

France vs. Sweden: How Policy Shapes Public Health in Tobacco Harm Reduction

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A comprehensive new report titled “Saving Lives Like Sweden” compares the radically different public health outcomes between France and Sweden in tobacco use and harm reduction. Released by the Second Focused Study (SFS-2N) network, this study makes a powerful case for how adopting or rejecting safer nicotine alternatives directly impacts national health. A Tale of…

Greece Sets a European Precedent with Science-Based Regulation of Smoke-Free Products

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In a significant move towards tobacco harm reduction, Greece has emerged as the first European Union member state to permit scientifically substantiated claims regarding the reduced health risks of smoke-free alternatives. This progressive stance is part of Greece’s comprehensive National Action Plan Against Smoking, which emphasizes harm reduction alongside prevention, cessation support, and protection from…

UAE Embraces Harm Reduction: A New Era for Nicotine Alternatives

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking a groundbreaking step in redefining tobacco control by officially endorsing the use of less harmful nicotine products as part of its public health strategy. As reported by The National, this shift reflects a global momentum toward harm reduction—prioritizing science-based alternatives that help adult smokers transition away from combustible…

Advancing Innovation Responsibly: Industry Insights from EVO NXT Milan’s Final Panel

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The closing session of EVO NXT Milan 2025 brought together a remarkable group of experts from across the novel nicotine industry to discuss one of the most pressing questions facing the category: how can innovation thrive under increasing regulatory scrutiny? Moderated by Robert Burton (Plxsur), the session featured insights from Geir Hammer (Den Norske Snusfabrikken),…