Nicotine pouches are small sachets filled with powder containing synthetic or extracted nicotine and other ingredients such as sweeteners and flavours.
They are designed to be placed between the lip and gum to allow nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and are not chewed or swallowed.
Nicotine pouches can have up to 20mg of nicotine per pouch.
Nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavours, vary in strength and are one of the latest products being marketed to young people by tobacco companies.
Nicotine pouches can have very high levels of nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive, and use of nicotine can lead to nicotine dependence.
Use of nicotine products can cause poisoning. Nicotine poisoning can be severe and even fatal in some cases. Even small doses of nicotine can cause life-threatening toxicity in children.
There is currently limited evidence on the long-term harms of nicotine pouches because they have been on the market for only a short time. A cautious approach is warranted, given that oral tobacco products are known to cause serious illness, including mouth and throat cancers.
For young people, nicotine can cause adverse impacts on adolescent brain development, impaired attention, learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety.
The Australian Generation Vape research project found that many young people who used nicotine pouches experienced sickness, burning of the gums or a poor taste in their mouth.
The resources below aim to help young people, parents and carers, and teachers and school staff understand the facts about nicotine pouches.
The facts about nicotine pouches - Young people (View the online version)
The facts about nicotine pouches - Parents and carers (View the online version)
The facts about nicotine pouches - Teachers and school staff (View the online version)
It is illegal for retailers including convenience stores, tobacconists, supermarkets and petrol stations to sell nicotine pouches.
If you suspect that a retailer is illegally selling nicotine pouches, you can report this to NSW Health online or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
To be lawfully supplied in Australia, nicotine pouches must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) or have an authority or approval under the Therapeutic GoodsAct 1989.
To date, no nicotine pouches have been included in the ARTG or received an authority or approval for supply. A Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval or authority would be conditional on nicotine pouches being sold only in pharmacy settings. See Nicotine pouches | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
No nicotine pouches have been evaluated for quality, safety or efficacy as smoking cessation aids in Australia. There is little evidence that they are effective in helping people quit smoking or vaping or in managing nicotine dependence.
There are other proven safe and effective options to help people to quit smoking such as behavioural therapies, NRT including patches, gums, lozenges, mouth spray, and some prescription medicines.
NSW Health recommends people use approved medications to help them quit smoking or vaping, in consultation with their GP, or call the NSW Quitline on 13 78 48 to seek tailored support to quit.
