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…

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…

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

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…

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

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…

UAE Embraces Harm Reduction: A New Era for Nicotine Alternatives

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…

Balancing Regulation, Innovation, and Access: Experts Debate the Future of Nicotine Products at EVO NXT Milan

The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) hosted a pivotal panel at EVO NXT Milan 2025, drawing together leading voices in regulation, public affairs, science, and consumer advocacy to tackle the complex interplay between innovation and regulation in the evolving nicotine landscape. The session, moderated by Wingle Group‘s Daria Votinova, featured industry experts Peter Beckett…