Nicotine pouch regulations face scrutiny in Canada and France

Regulatory approaches to nicotine pouches are facing scrutiny in Canada and France as debates continue over harm reduction versus prohibition.

In Canada, the advocacy group Rights 4 Vapers reported finding a significant illicit market for nicotine pouches following a cross-country tour. Founder Maria Papaioannou claimed that strict government regulations—which limit approved brands, potency, and flavors to protect youth—have instead fueled a black market. The group reported encountering counterfeit products and high-concentration pouches with candy-style flavors available in various retail settings.

In France, Xavier Puech, President of Philip Morris France, criticized the country’s restrictive stance on nicotine alternatives. He contrasted French prohibition with the United States, where the FDA recently authorized 11 new nicotine pouch products. Puech argued that while the U.S. model uses scientific risk assessment to encourage innovation and reduce smoking rates, French regulations act as an ideological barrier that maintains reliance on combustible cigarettes.