Ireland’s Department of Health is considering new restrictions on nicotine pouches as part of its efforts to curb nicotine use among young people.
The proposal, which could extend existing tobacco control laws, comes as health officials debate how to balance youth protection with harm reduction for adult smokers.
Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan confirmed that the Department is reviewing whether nicotine pouches should be regulated under amendments to the current tobacco bill. The move would bring the products in line with Ireland’s broader nicotine control framework.
Use remains low but rising among young people
Nicotine pouches – small white sachets placed between the lip and gum – contain powdered nicotine, flavourings, and other ingredients. They are marketed as a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes and vaping.
According to the 2025 Healthy Ireland survey, one per cent of Irish adults use nicotine pouches, with usage rising to three per cent among those aged 15–24. Men are more likely than women to use them. While overall use remains low, teachers and parents have reported growing visibility of the products among school-aged children.
Prof. Horgan said protecting young people remains the priority. “Ireland has been a global leader in tobacco control,” she said. “We are particularly looking at tobacco pouches as part of any amendment to the current tobacco bill. It’s a concern, and legislation should have an impact once introduced.”
Finding balance between youth protection and harm reduction
Public health advocates agree that nicotine products should not be accessible to minors, but some experts warn that an outright ban could remove safer options for adult smokers seeking to quit.
Nicotine pouches, like vapes, do not involve combustion – the primary cause of tobacco-related illness – and are considered significantly less harmful than smoking. Harm reduction campaigners argue that maintaining regulated access for adults could support Ireland’s smoke-free goals while protecting children through strict marketing and sales controls.
Tobacco harm reduction expert Prof. Gerry Stimson has previously said that “providing safer nicotine alternatives is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking rates,” noting that bans risk driving users back to cigarettes or unregulated products.
Ireland’s next steps on nicotine control
Ireland is already preparing major changes to nicotine regulation. From 2028, tobacco sales to anyone under 21 will be banned. The government also plans to prohibit single-use, flavoured, and coloured vapes to make them less appealing to minors. Officials say these measures aim to reduce the “attractiveness and availability” of nicotine products among young people.
At the same time, harm reduction advocates are urging policymakers to ensure adult smokers still have access to lower-risk nicotine products as a bridge away from cigarettes.
European context
Several EU countries, including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, have already banned nicotine pouches. Others, such as Germany and Sweden, allow them under regulation – an approach some experts say better supports adult smokers while preventing youth uptake.
