India orders crackdown on nicotine pouches, citing health risks, letter shows

The Indian government has directed states to take action against the sale of nicotine pouches, deeming them a significant health hazard, according to a letter from the Health Ministry. These pouches, which are small containers placed under the lip containing nicotine without tobacco, have gained popularity due to their rapid growth and attractive margins, offering an alternative to cigarettes amidst lighter regulation.

In India, where tobacco causes 1.35 million deaths annually, e-cigarettes are banned, but certain nicotine replacements like patches and chewing gums are permitted. However, nicotine pouches remain illegal and unapproved, often smuggled into the country for online and local sales. A recent federal study termed them a largely unregulated public health concern, with substantial consumption among individuals aged 18 to 40.

The Health Ministry urged states to enforce legal actions to protect public health and children. The directive refers to India's drug law provisions for searching, seizing, and prosecuting those selling such products. While Philip Morris and Swedish Smokeless claim zero tolerance for illegal trade and urge users to purchase from authorized outlets, the World Health Organization recommends stronger safeguards against nicotine pouch addiction, especially among youth.

Some agencies, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, suggest that smokers who switch to alternatives like pouches, vapes, and heated tobacco products may potentially reduce health risks. However, the government considers nicotine pouches addictive, posing independent health risks, and not approved as effective smoking cessation aids.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended against approving any new nicotine formulations in the public interest.