We recently published a guide to which vapes are legal and illegal in the UK. In this post we’ll take a close look at another controversial tobacco product – snus nicotine pouches. Are they legal? And if so, what sort of restrictions are in place, and what might the future hold?
If you’re running a vape shop, either online or offline, we can help you ensure you get the cover you need at a price you can afford. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9080 or email ecig@anthonyjones.com.
What is Snus?
Snus is a Scandinavian tobacco product. It’s smokeless, and usually comes in the form of a small pouch. Put this pouch between your lip and your gum, and you’ll quickly absorb nicotine directly into your bloodstream.
Even though snus has been widely used in Scandinavia for decades, there are strict laws concerning the stocking and sale of snus in the UK.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
This is where things might get confusing. Some people use the terms “snus” and “nicotine pouches” interchangeably, but they are two quite different products. The main difference is that snus contains tobacco, whereas nicotine pouches are tobacco-free.
Is Snus Legal in the UK?
Yes and no! While it’s legal for people aged 18 or older to use snus, it’s illegal to stock, buy, or sell snus in the UK.
The 1992 European Union Directive prohibited the sale of snus across EU countries, due to health concerns. Even though the UK is no longer part of the UK, the 2016 Tobacco and Related Products Regulations meant that the ban on snus would continue after Brexit.
Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in the UK?
Yes! It is legal to stock, sell, and purchase nicotine pouches in the UK. So long as the pouches do not contain any tobacco, then it’s not against the law to buy or sell them.
Nicotine pouches are currently subject to the General Product Safety Regulations. This just means they need to be clearly labelled in English, along with safety guidelines. But there are no regulations covering their strength, or how you advertise them. Plus, there is currently no minimum age to purchase nicotine pouches in the UK.
Are Nicotine Pouches Becoming More Popular?
Nicotine pouches have become increasingly popular since the UK banned the sale of disposable vapes. One report suggests that their popularity has increased by 93% over the course of a year.
Upcoming Tobacco and Vape Bill’s Effect on Nicotine Pouches
At the moment, it’s legal to sell nicotine pouches to anyone of any age so long as the packaging is written in English, and so long as it contains clear safety instructions. With the introduction of the new Tobacco and Vape Bill, you should expect this to change very soon.
In early 2025, Trading Standards teams in three counties made over 1,500 seizures of illegal nicotine pouches. In this case, the pouches were only “illegal” in that their packaging was not written in English.
Since then, the Scottish Government’s announced a “crackdown” on nicotine pouches, and there has been talk of new legislation to ban the advertising or sale of nicotine pouches to anyone aged 18 or under.
Snus – that is, traditional Scandinavian style nicotine pouches that contain tobacco – will likely always be illegal to buy or sell in the UK. Nicotine pouches are unlikely to be banned outright. But you should expect strict new laws to come into play before long.
Nicotine Pouches and the Law – Advice to Vape Shops
If you stock and sell nicotine pouches, either online or offline, don’t be tempted to exploit the current legal loophole in order to sell your products to minors. Act like it’s already illegal to sell your products to people under 18, and you won’t have to adapt your practices once the law inevitably changes:
- Only stock and sell nicotine pouches with packaging written in English, containing clear safety instructions.
- Eventually, there will likely be restrictions on how strong nicotine pouches can be. Avoid stocking anything excessively strong now, and you may not have to reconsider your stock once the new laws come into play.
- Never advertise or sell your nicotine pouch products to anyone under 18.
- Remember that traditional snus, which contains tobacco, has been illegal in the UK since 1992, and will likely remain illegal indefinitely.
Get The Right Insurance For Your Vape Business
Finally, it’s important to get the right insurance for your vape business. This way, you’ll be covered if you ever need to reconsider your stock following new legislation.
Joe Penny, Associate Director says:
“With all of the recent law changes, the past few years have been tough for vape shop owners. The sector’s so unpredictable that many insurers are simply choosing not to work with vape businesses anymore.
“But at Anthony Jones, we’ll continue to ensure you get the specialist insurance you need to cover your vape business, no matter which way the sector’s headed.”
For more information on how we can help your vape business, call us on 0208 290 9080 or email ecig@anthonyjones.com.
