The Polish Ministry of Health plans to ban the sale of synthetic nicotine bags, which will be classified as medical products

According to a report by TVP Info on November 8, Poland’s Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, expressed her intention to have legislation banning synthetic nicotine pouches ready by the end of the year. In an interview, she emphasized the government’s aim to completely prohibit the sale of these products, stating, “We hope to completely ban their sales. I hope this project can be ready within this year.”

During the interview, Minister Leszczyna acknowledged the growing issue of nicotine pouch usage among young people, labeling it a significant concern. She clarified that while traditional snus, which contains tobacco, is banned under EU directives and Polish law, synthetic nicotine pouches have emerged as a new challenge. She explained, “In the law we are formulating, they will be banned because they can only be medical products.”

When asked about the timeline for parliamentary consideration, Leszczyna noted that it largely depended on the consultation process but confirmed that the legislative efforts to ban synthetic nicotine pouches were actively underway.

Poland’s initiative to ban synthetic nicotine pouches is a clear demonstration of its commitment to public health, aiming to protect younger populations from the potential risks posed by these products. However, the legislative process may encounter challenges, including building consensus during consultations and ensuring the bill’s successful passage in parliament. Ongoing efforts will be crucial to monitor the situation and enforce the ban effectively. Additionally, enhancing public education about the dangers of synthetic nicotine pouches is essential to foster awareness and garner support for the proposed ban.