Health experts call for tighter regulation on nicotine pouches targeting youth and being sold online, with 'minimal friction'

Health experts are urging for tighter regulations on nicotine pouches, warning that they are being marketed with "youth-attractive branding" and sold online with ease in ways that risk repeating the same health concerns linked to vaping.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on the government and enforcement agencies to shut loopholes that allow unapproved nicotine products to enter the market and get sold online effortlessly.

AMA Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait said nicotine pouches are being sold with "youth-attractive branding and sold online with minimal friction", despite having no approved therapeutic indication in Australia.

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"A non-industry study showed that nicotine absorption from pouches containing 30 mg nicotine was comparable with that from one cigarette, and some pouches contain up to 150mg of nicotine," Rait said.

"Regulators must not wait until the use of nicotine pouches becomes entrenched in Australia."

Professor Rait said nicotine pouches can cause mouth and gum irritation, upset stomachs, nausea and high blood pressure.

The association say that there are currently no approved nicotine pouches on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), meaning none should be supplied through "routine channels".

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Professor Rait said that the AMA is in favour of the Therapeutic Goods Administration's proposed changes, which would prevent access to unapproved nicotine pouches via existing pathways such as access schemes and personal importation arrangements.

The association also noted how the rapid growth in sales of these unregulated products has exposed a flaw in the government's regulations and enforcement of synthetic nicotine.

"Without stronger, technology-neutral rules and consistent national enforcement, suppliers will continue to exploit grey areas," Professor Rait said.

"We need stronger safeguards, including effective online compliance and takedown processes, clear and consistent health warnings, child-resistant packaging, and better monitoring of adverse events and poisoning presentations to inform ongoing regulatory action."

The call comes the same week that new laws have come into effect in Britain, barring children aged 17 and under from ever legally purchasing cigarettes in their lifetime.

British ministers also wield significant new powers to regulate the flavours, packaging, and display of vaping and nicotine products to make them less appealing to minors.

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