Health Ministry Directs States to Act Against Illegal Nicotine Pouch Sales

India's health ministry has instructed all states to take enforcement action against the sale of nicotine pouches, which remain unapproved and illegal in the country, according to a letter sent on September 19.

The ministry flagged the growing availability of oral nicotine pouches through online and offline channels, and said nicotine exposure is a particular concern among children. States have been asked to act in the interest of public health and the protection of children, using provisions of India's drug law that permit search, seizure and prosecution of sellers.

Nicotine pouches are small packets placed under the lip that deliver nicotine without tobacco. They have become a significant bet for global tobacco companies seeking growth beyond cigarettes, offering attractive margins and, so far, lighter regulation than many other smoking alternatives.

In India, where tobacco kills an estimated 1.35 million people each year, e-cigarettes are banned while certain nicotine replacement products such as patches and chewing gums are approved. Nicotine pouches, however, remain illegal and unapproved. A government source said they are often smuggled into the country for sale online and through local tobacco shops.

A federal study in June described the products as a largely unregulated public health concern, noting wide use among people aged 18 to 40 of brands including Philip Morris' Zyn and Swedish Smokeless Solutions' White Fox.

The ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Philip Morris and Swedish Smokeless did not immediately respond to queries. Philip Morris states on its website that it has zero tolerance towards illegal trade, while Swedish Smokeless urges users to buy only original products from authorised outlets.

The World Health Organization has called for stronger safeguards to protect people, especially young people, from nicotine pouch addiction. Some regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, say smokers who switch completely to alternatives such as pouches, vapes and heated tobacco products may reduce their health risks.

Separately, minutes of the main federal drug panel's meeting published on September 16 show the Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended that no new nicotine formulation be approved henceforth in the public interest. The panel concluded that nicotine pouches are addictive, pose independent health risks and have not been established as effective smoking-cessation aids.

The development follows an Indian investigation in April that found duty-free shops at Mumbai international airport, run by billionaire Gautam Adani's business group, breached the law by selling nicotine pouches. Adani has denied wrongdoing. An Indian court this week rejected the company's argument that duty-free shops are immune from domestic laws, while telling the group it was free to make representations before the government on the matter.