The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) has released its Member Code of Practice (CoP) to establish a comprehensive framework for the manufacturing and labelling of novel nicotine products. With regulatory landscapes evolving, GINN aims to ensure product safety, quality, and ethical practices, setting a standard for responsible nicotine innovation.
A Framework for Responsible Manufacturing and Labeling
The CoP, which we aim to operationalise in early April, provides guidance on:
- Ensuring product safety and quality through standardized manufacturing and testing practices.
- Accurate and transparent labeling that aligns with regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory compliance with local, regional, and international laws.
- Supplier and partner responsibilities, ensuring that all materials and ingredients comply with safety and ethical standards.
According to GINN Director Shem Baldeosingh, the Code of Practice reflects scientific integrity and responsible nicotine innovation, supporting industry-wide adherence to best practices.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
Since nicotine product regulations vary across jurisdictions, the CoP establishes a hierarchical compliance framework to guide manufacturers in meeting legal and safety standards.
GINN’s regulatory compliance framework follows this hierarchy:
- Legislation – All members must adhere to existing nicotine product laws in their respective jurisdictions.
- Standards – Manufacturers must comply fully with at least one recognized industry standard, such as:
- PAS 8877-2022 (Tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches – composition, manufacture, and testing).
- CORESTA Guide for nicotine pouch safety and quality (2024).
- Scientific Justification in the Absence of Guidance – When no clear regulations exist, companies must apply scientific evidence and established industry practices to justify product safety.
This structured approach ensures compliance, accountability, and consumer safety in an industry where regulations are rapidly changing.
Product Safety and Quality Assurance
The GINN Code of Practice sets forth strict quality assurance (QA) requirements to maintain consumer safety and product reliability. Key QA elements include:
- Toxicological Risk Assessments (TRA): All novel nicotine products must undergo comprehensive risk assessments, including evaluations of ingredient safety, exposure risks, and contamination controls.
- Batch Testing and Traceability: Manufacturers must use unique batch codes for all products, ensuring traceability of ingredients, formulations, and production processes.
- Clear Labelling Requirements: Nicotine warning labels must be prominently displayed on both primary and secondary packaging, along with ingredient lists, allergen warnings, batch numbers, and expiration dates.
- Consumer Safety and Complaints Monitoring: A robust system must be in place for handling complaints and conducting periodic safety trend analyses.
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
Beyond product safety, GINN’s Code of Practice outlines commitments to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Members are expected to:
- Minimize environmental impact through sustainable packaging, responsible disposal practices, and eco-conscious production methods.
- Avoid unethical practices, such as bribery, labor violations, and misleading marketing strategies.
These principles ensure that novel nicotine products meet high ethical standards while supporting harm reduction efforts worldwide.
A Call for Industry-Wide Adoption
GINN encourages manufacturers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to adopt and uphold the Member Code of Practice as a unified standard for responsible nicotine innovation. By prioritizing scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety, the industry can continue to evolve while maintaining public trust.
