Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by The Health Master
Nicotine Pouches
India has decided to take action against the increasing demand of alternatives to traditional tobacco products, specially nicotine pouches.
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended that no new nicotine pouches (nicotine products) should be approved.
If you have seen small flavored nicotine pouches being sold in local hookah shops or on ecommerce websites, then you are not the only one.
Nicotine pouches have been advertised as helpful for individuals trying to quit smoking. However, this poses many concerns to health professionals.
Health concerns with Nicotine Pouches
A recent multi state study carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) has shown a serious issue with the nicotine pouches.
The popularity of these products has increased rapidly and is especially popular among young adults and working professionals.
Here are some reasons why this is a concern:
- The nicotine in the pouches is in powerful chemical forms such as nicotine polacrilex and nicotine dihydrate ditartrate. These can easily result in addiction.
- There is an effort to target the younger demographic. With effective packaging, availability on the internet and smart marketing, this target can result in a new addiction instead of helping to address an existing problem.
- There is no scientific evidence to support claims that nicotine pouches are effective or safe for smoking cessation.
Why is the government stepping in?
There have been a number of requests from companies to produce and sell new nicotine pouches in different strengths (2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg) to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recently.
Before approving any such request, the proposal was sent to the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
The NTCP has strongly advised against this and has suggested that the nicotine pouches pose their own health risk.
The NTCP also emphasizes that the ultimate objective of any tobacco control program should be true de-addiction and not just switching from one addictive product to another.
Based on this information, the DTAB has recommended that approvals for new nicotine products should not be given in the best interest of the public during their meeting on the 27th of August.
Key Changes to Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs)
The crackdown on nicotine pouches is part of a broader shift in how India regulates Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
Earlier this year, the DTAB reviewed how existing products like gums and lozenges are sold.
he board proposed strict amendments to Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to prevent the tobacco industry from exploiting regulatory loopholes.
| Product Type | Previous Market Status | New DTAB Recommendation |
| New Nicotine Pouches | Awaiting CDSCO approval | Completely halted; no new approvals will be granted. |
| Nicotine Gum (2 mg) | Sold freely over-the-counter | Only unflavoured 2 mg gum remains exempt. Flavored gums face tighter control. |
| Nicotine Lozenges (2 mg) | Sold freely over-the-counter | Removed from the exemption list; now requires a proper sales license to be sold. |
In addition to this, the government is also working towards measures that would prohibit sales to minors, effective monitoring of online sales and rigorous post marketing surveillance of any negative health effects.
Focus on Evidence Based De-addiction
If you are trying to quit smoking, the NTCP has a suggestion for you. Focus on evidence based tobacco cessation programs.
While the regulations surrounding nicotine pouches in India have been confusing in the past, this new directive sets a very clear boundary.
Switching from cigarettes to highly addictive and unregulated products such as nicotine pouches is not a safe route to smoking cessation.
