Union Health Ministry directs States to crack down on illegal sale of nicotine pouches

The Union Health Ministry has ordered States to take action against the sale of nicotine pouches, calling them a major health risk. A letter from the Ministry says popular global brands are being sold illegally across the country. Nicotine pouches are small packets placed under the lip that contain nicotine but no tobacco. They are illegal and unapproved in India, though the government has banned e-cigarettes and approved other items like patches and chewing gums. Tobacco causes 13.5 lakh deaths a year in India. A federal study in June called these pouches an unregulated public health concern used widely by people aged 18 to 40. Popular brands include Philip Morris' Zyn and Swedish Smokeless Solutions' White Fox.

Enforcement And Court Action

In a letter sent to all States on September 19, the Health Ministry noted that oral nicotine pouches are increasingly available through online and offline channels. The letter warned that nicotine exposure is a big concern for children and asked States to take enforcement action under the law to protect public health and children. The directive points to drug law provisions that allow for product search, seizure, and the prosecution of sellers. Meanwhile, an April investigation found that Mumbai international airport duty-free shops run by Gautam Adani's business group sold nicotine pouches in breach of the law. Adani has denied wrongdoing, but the Bombay High Court rejected the company's claim that duty-free shops are immune from domestic laws, while telling the group it can make representations to the government. The government views nicotine pouches as addictive and unproven as smoking-cessation aids. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended on September 16 that no new nicotine formulation be approved in the public interest.