Four Major Tobacco Companies in Poland Sign Nicotine Pouch Market Regulation Code

On October 16, according to Gazeta Prawna, British American Tobacco Poland, Imperial Brands Poland, Philip Morris Poland Distribution, and Swedish Match have signed a market regulation code for tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which standardizes the norms for tobacco-free nicotine pouches. The agreement includes: rules for marketing communication, applicable only to adults; a recommendation that each pouch contains no more than 20 milligrams of nicotine; health warnings on the packaging; and information on product ingredients, nicotine content, pouch weight, production date, and expiration date on the packaging.

This code was signed by manufacturers of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, establishing a regulatory framework within the Republic of Poland. These rules are self-imposed, initiated by the industry itself. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are another smoke-free solution provided to smokers following electronic cigarettes. These small pouches contain flavorings, nicotine, and a matrix usually made of cellulose. They do not contain tobacco and are used orally by placing them between the gums and the cheek or upper lip. Currently, countries that can produce and sell tobacco-free nicotine pouches include: Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, the UK, and the USA. Due to the lack of relevant official regulatory policies in Poland, the industry decided to impose self-regulation. Rafał Dutkiewicz, Chairman of the Management Board of the Republic of Poland, stated regarding the signed code: "The code signed today reflects the industry's common approach to fundamental issues regarding tobacco-free nicotine pouches." Dutkiewicz also mentioned the Ministry of Finance's work on excise tax. Currently, nicotine pouches are not taxed. Although a team meeting to draft amendments to the Excise Tax Law was held on July 27, 2023, the amendment has not been passed in the current term of the House of Representatives.