Portsmouth Trading Standards has issued guidance to local businesses selling nicotine pouches, warning that some products on the market fail to meet UK legal requirements and contain dangerously high nicotine levels.
The service advised retailers to only sell products containing up to 20mg of nicotine and restrict sales to customers over 18 years old.
Businesses selling nicotine pouches must ensure their products meet specific legal standards. All product wording must appear in English, and items must display the health warning: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”.
Products must also include a hazard pictogram, tactile warning triangle, and precautionary statements covering use and disposal. The manufacturer or UK importer’s address and telephone number must be clearly visible.
Retailers must ensure packaging clearly states the quantity of pouches, nicotine strength, and full ingredient list.
The trading standards service highlighted the growing popularity of nicotine pouches whilst noting compliance issues across the marke. Some products currently available contain nicotine levels exceeding safe legal limits.
Local Portsmouth businesses requiring further guidance on compliance requirements can contact the trading standards team at trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
The service emphasized the importance of keeping the community safe and properly informed about product standards.
