Key Points
· Total seizures (two cases): 265,140 boxes of oral nicotine pouches. China Ningbo Customs seized 255,740 boxes (“ZYN”: 212,960; unbranded: 42,780); China Huangpu Customs seized 9,400 boxes (all “ZYN”).
· Infringement & non-declaration: The China Ningbo Customs case involved undeclared, concealed goods; both cases involve suspected infringement of the “ZYN” trademark. In Ningbo, suspicion was identified after contacting the rightsholder; in Huangpu, the rightsholder confirmed the claim and requested Customs IP protection measures.
· Legal basis: Under Articles 44 and 91 of the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Regulations on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, infringing goods may be confiscated and fined; suspected crimes are subject to criminal liability.
· Regulatory classification: The tobacco authority has determined oral nicotine pouches are tobacco products. Exports require a Tobacco Monopoly transport permit and an export licence; concealment or evasion in export is illegal.
2Firsts, October 10, 2025 — According to China Customs on 3 October, China Ningbo Customs (Beilun) and China Huangpu Customs seized oral nicotine pouches during export inspections over suspected trademark infringement and non-declaration, totalling 265,140 boxes (222,360 “ZYN”-marked; 42,780 unbranded).
Case 1: China Ningbo Customs (Beilun) seizes 255,740 boxes
During inspection of a shipment declared as “party supplies,” officers found concealed, undeclared oral nicotine pouches—some bearing the “ZYN” mark, others unbranded.
After contacting the rightsholder, the “ZYN” pouches were deemed suspected of trademark infringement.
Count: 212,960 boxes of allegedly infringing “ZYN” pouches and 42,780 unbranded pouches, totaling 255,740 boxes.
Legal basis: Pursuant to Articles 44 and 91 of the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, customs protects IP related to import and export goods; goods that illegally infringe IP are subject to confiscation and fines; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability is pursued.
Sector oversight: As identified by the tobacco authority, oral nicotine pouches are tobacco products regulated by the Tobacco Monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China and its implementing regulations. Concealing tobacco products for export is illegal; exporting tobacco products (including oral pouches) requires a Tobacco Monopoly transport permit from the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and an export license.
Follow-up: The batch has been transferred for subsequent disposition.
Case 2: China Huangpu Customs seizes 9,400 boxes of infringing “ZYN” pouches
During X-ray inspection of a shipment declared as “wristbands,” officers noted anomalies and opened the boxes, finding 9,400 boxes of oral nicotine pouches bearing the “ZYN” trademark.
After the rightsholder confirmed infringement of a trademark recorded with the GACC, they applied for customs IP protection measures.
Legal basis: Under the Regulations on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, customs shall confiscate and fine goods that illegally infringe IP; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability is pursued.
Follow-up: The batch has been transferred for subsequent disposition.
Legal & Regulatory Notes (per customs and tobacco authorities)
IP protection: Customs enforces protection of trademarks and other rights at the border under the Customs Law and the Regulations on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights; infringing goods are subject to confiscation and fines, and suspected crimes are handled according to law.
Tobacco monopoly oversight: Oral nicotine pouches are tobacco products; export requires a Tobacco Monopoly transport permit and an export license; concealment or other illicit export methods are punishable.
Cover image source: “Customs Release.”
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
