Finnish government proposes restrictions on nicotine pouches sales to combat youth access

The Finnish government is planning several restrictions on the sale of nicotine pouches. Proposed amendments to the law would completely ban remote sales of nicotine pouches and require a license for retail sales, with further limitations on flavor options. Standardized packaging familiar from tobacco products would also be applied to containers of nicotine pouches.

Local business owners have responded to these plans with a calm outlook. Miska Toiviainen, a businessman from Lappeenranta, believes the changes could have a positive impact, suggesting that the end of remote sales might drive more customers to brick-and-mortar stores.

Toiviainen, along with his brother Joonas, opened their store in Lappeenranta last February, recently adding a fifth location in Kouvola. They have trained their staff to verify ages, maintaining a strict 18-year age limit. Initially, a few underage individuals attempted to purchase pouches, but this has largely ceased.

The recent modifications to tobacco laws will not significantly alter their operations. The Toiviaisen brothers have always obtained necessary tobacco licenses, so the requirement for a retail license won’t change much for them. They do not engage in remote sales, and reducing flavor options may simplify product offerings.

By limiting the sale of nicotine pouches, the government aims to prevent access for minors, tackle illegal trade, and combat organized crime. Miska Toiviainen believes that the new law will help curb youth usage, as many young people currently acquire pouches through social media platforms where they are sold without restriction.

This year, a new tax on nicotine pouches has also impacted their business, increasing the price of one container by two to three euros, which has led to a significant drop in sales. The Finnish Parliament discussed the amendments to the tobacco law in a plenary session on Tuesday, with final approval potentially occurring in a subsequent vote on Friday.