Nicotine Pouches Legal Status in EU, Germany & Austria (October 2025)

Nicotine pouches have grown fast in popularity across Europe, but their legal status remains unclear. As of October 2025, the European Union has no uniform regulation for nicotine pouches. Each member state handles them differently, and there is growing discussion in Brussels about introducing EU-wide rules. In this article, we’ll cover the current situation, with a focus on Germany and Austria.

EU: No Common Law Yet, But Regulation on the Horizon

At the EU level, nicotine pouches are not yet covered by a specific directive. The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) does not directly regulate them, as pouches were not defined when the law was created.

However, EU politicians have raised concerns about youth access, flavour restrictions, and health warnings. This means that new EU regulation for nicotine pouches is likely to arrive in the coming years. For now, rules are left to individual member states.

Nicotine Pouches in Germany: A Legal Grey Zone

Germany has one of the most complicated situations regarding nicotine pouches and white snus.

• Classification: Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are often treated as novel foods under German law. This has led to some products being removed from the market.
  
• Regional enforcement: Some states classify high-strength nicotine pouches as unsafe and block sales. Enforcement varies, making the market uncertain.
  
• Health authority position: The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has issued warnings, arguing that nicotine pouches can be addictive and pose risks, especially for young users.
  
• Ongoing debate: Some argue that nicotine pouches should be regulated under tobacco law instead, with age limits, health warnings, and clearer packaging rules.

Conclusion for Germany: Nicotine pouches and tobacco-free snus remain in a grey area. Sales exist, but legal risks for both retailers and consumers are high.

Nicotine Pouches in Austria: Moving Toward Stricter Rules

Austria currently allows nicotine pouches, but new regulation is being discussed.

• Present status: Nicotine pouches are sold in Austria, with some age restrictions already in place.
  
• Proposed law: Austria’s Ministry of Health wants to regulate pouches under the Tobacco and Non-Smoking Protection Act. This would mean:
  
• Sales only to adults (18+)
  
• Stronger warning labels
  
• Possible restrictions on flavours
  
• Limits on nicotine strength per pouch
  
• Sales limited to licensed tobacco shops

If approved, Austria would become one of the strictest EU countries for nicotine pouch regulation.

What This Means for Consumers and Retailers

• For consumers: Buying nicotine pouches online in the EU may be easier than locally in some countries. Always check local nicotine pouch laws before purchasing.
  
• For retailers: Be aware of country-specific rules. Germany and Austria are examples of how fast regulations can change.
  
• For the industry: EU-wide law is likely coming. Businesses should prepare for stricter rules on strength, flavours, packaging, and sales restrictions.

Final Thoughts

As of October 2025, the EU has no harmonised regulation for nicotine pouches or snus, but momentum is building for change. Germany treats them as novel foods, creating uncertainty and market risks. Austria is moving toward tobacco-like regulation, which could set an example for other EU states.

For both consumers and retailers, staying updated on nicotine pouch legality in Europe is essential. At PouchDaddy, we keep track of changes so you always know where and how nicotine pouches and white snus can be enjoyed legally.