By Robert Sidebottom, Chair of Regulatory & Compliance Committee, GINN & Managing Director, Arcus Compliance
As regulators across Europe increase scrutiny of novel nicotine products, the need for clear, enforceable, and science-based packaging standards has never been greater. That’s why the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) is endorsing the work of their member Arcus Compliance Ltd, who have authored and released England’s first Primary Authority assured advice to ensure the responsible labelling of single nicotine pouch cans intended for the UK market.
The objective is straightforward: lead the industry to stay compliant, protect consumers, and uphold the integrity of the nicotine pouch category.
Why Packaging Standards Matter
Improper labelling isn’t just a regulatory risk—it’s a public health concern. Misleading designs, unclear warnings, or inconsistent product information can undermine trust and attract the wrong audiences, including minors.
The advice which has been developed with the support of Peterborough and Cambridge Trading Standards outlines how manufacturers can meet the requirements of:
- General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR)
- GB CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)
- PAS 8877:2022 for tobacco-free oral pouches
- And other applicable UK and EU frameworks
What’s Covered
The document details over 20 critical packaging elements, including:
- Nicotine Warnings: Clearly visible on multiple label surfaces, using standardised font and layout
- Child Safety Notices: Prominent and consistent with general safety regulations
- Ingredient Lists & Product Identifiers: Ensuring full transparency for consumers and regulators
- Hazard Pictograms & Signal Words: In compliance with CLP regulation for classified products
- Use & Disposal Instructions: Aiding both responsible use and environmental protection
- Design Restrictions: Avoiding branding that resembles food, cosmetics, or youth-oriented products
A Voluntary but Vital Resource
This is not just a checklist—it’s a roadmap to responsible market access. While some elements are legal requirements, others reflect good industry practice designed to future-proof your brand in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
For example, including a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) and batch traceability isn’t currently mandatory in Great Britain—but doing so now will better position your business for regulatory alignment in Northern Ireland and the wider EU.
GINN’s Call to Action
Shem Baldeosingh, Director of GINN, commented:
“The assured advice expertly produced by our member, Arcus Compliance Limited, offers manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of nicotine pouch products in England clear and essential guidance on packaging compliance. I believe this document will become the de facto standard for packaging compliance across the UK and beyond. GINN members will directly benefit from this excellent resource and leadership.”
At GINN, we believe innovation must walk hand-in-hand with accountability. With this assured advice, we are supporting our member to provide tools not just to meet legal thresholds—but to exceed them.
I urge all companies in the nicotine pouch space to review their packaging with care and to use this advice as a compliance baseline and engage with GINN as we continue to advocate for proportionate, evidence-based standards that protect both consumer safety and category credibility.
Let’s lead with clarity, not confusion.
A pre official release of the assured advice is available to GINN members, please go to: https://scorecard.arcuscompliance.com/assured-nicotine-pouch
🔗 More on GINN’s regulatory initiatives: www.ginn.global
