Are nicotine pouches beyond the law? | Explained
A study by the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research highlights the unregulated spread of nicotine pouches in India. The article explores the legal ambiguity surrounding these products, as they fall outside the definitions of existing tobacco and drug regulations.
Why it matters
The lack of regulatory oversight for nicotine pouches poses a significant public health challenge as these products become increasingly accessible to consumers.
A new study led by the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research has found that nicotine pouches are reaching Indian cities through online platforms, hookah shops and gig delivery services. The study comes after a warning from the World Health Organization in May 2026 about the dangers these products pose. Yet it is far from settled which Indian law, if any, governs them.
A nicotine pouch is a small, tobacco-free, tea-bag-like sack containing nicotine, flavorings, and plant-based fibers. Users tuck the pouch between their lip and gum for up to an hour, allowing nicotine to absorb directly into the bloodstream without smoke, vapour, or spitting. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco like snuff or chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaf, dust, or stem. The nicotine used can be extracted from tobacco plants or created synthetically in a lab.
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