UKRAINE MOVES TO BAN NICOTINE POUCH SALES TO MINORS

According to SUD, Mykhailo Radutskyi, chair of Ukraine’s parliamentary health committee, has called for a full ban on the sale of nicotine pouches to minors and tighter restrictions on their advertising.

Radutskyi noted that Ukraine’s current tobacco control framework—originally aligned with European directives—has not kept pace with the rapid emergence of new nicotine products. Items such as snus and nicotine pouches are now available on the market, yet lack clear regulatory oversight, particularly in terms of marketing and youth access. He emphasized that nicotine remains harmful regardless of dosage.

To address these gaps, the parliamentary committee has drafted bill No. 14110-д. The proposed legislation would explicitly prohibit the sale of nicotine pouches to minors and introduce stricter controls on their promotion.

Beyond nicotine pouches, Radutskyi highlighted broader regulatory shortcomings. While e-cigarettes are formally banned, related components—including batteries and refill liquids—continue to be imported and sold domestically. He also pointed out that Ukraine has yet to implement standardized cigarette packaging rules, such as mandating health warnings to cover 65% of both the front and back of packs.

Radutskyi added that tobacco use in Ukraine is increasing, particularly among young people. He argued that current assessments of tobacco tax revenue often overlook the long-term public health costs associated with smoking, underscoring the need for updated and comprehensive tobacco control measures.