SGF advice: Selling Nicotine Pouches in Scotland
Nicotine pouches are an adult cessation device and should not be marketed or sold to children – they do not contain tobacco and are regulated under standards set out in The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
While there is currently no legal age limit on the sale of nicotine pouch products in Scotland, concerns have been raised about the impacts of nicotine on the health of younger people.
Standard pouches contain up to 20mg of nicotine, with over 30mg typically providing more nicotine per pouch than a cigarette. However, extra-high strength, illegal and counterfeit pouches of 100mg+ which may pose a significant risk to the user’s health have been reported widely in the media.
New restrictions on the sale and age limit for nicotine pouch products are expected to be introduced through the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Just like retailers across the country, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation is focused on responsible community retailing. Working with key stakeholders to promote this goal and highlighting the importance of adhering to legislative and regulatory requirements.
There is a British Standards Institution course on tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches which is available through subscription here: PAS 8877:2022 | 28 Feb 2022 | BSI Knowledge
For more guidance and information on Regulations for Nicotine Vaping Products and Tobacco Compliance in Scotland – see below:
(Please report any illegal or non-compliant sale of vape or tobacco products you are aware of to your local Trading Standards, or call Police Scotland on 101)