The Rise of Illegal Nicotine Pouches Among Australian Youth

Oct.15.2024

A survey found that one in four Australian young people have used illegal nicotine pouches, citing taste preference.

According to a report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News) on October 15th, a survey conducted on Australian young people found that approximately one quarter had used illegal nicotine pouches. The survey, which involved nearly 1,600 participants aged 16 to 39, found that 34% of respondents used nicotine pouches because they liked the taste.

The research results were published in the journal "Drug and Alcohol Dependence," anonymously conducted online from April to June 2024, with 19% of participants reporting use of nicotine pouches in the past 30 days.

Michelle Jongenelis, Associate Professor of Behavioral Psychology at the University of Melbourne and co-author of the report, stated that as e-cigarettes face stricter scrutiny, retailers are shifting to selling other products.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has stated that nicotine pouches are subject to strict regulation and have not yet been approved for sale in Australia.

Jones emphasized the need for the government to monitor the use of nicotine pouches in a nationwide survey to understand their prevalence. She suggested strengthening enforcement measures, rather than just relying on legislative changes.

The sale of these products is illegal, so we need better enforcement measures and ensure enforcement covers all possible illegal nicotine products.

References:

[1] Survey finds one in four young Australians have used illegal and unregulated dissolvable nicotine pouches

Also Read:

[1] Australia Cracks Down on Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Black Market

[2] Tasmania Government Takes Strong Measures Against E-Cigarettes Act

[3] Australia Takes Tough Stance on Illegal E-cigarette Sales

[4] Australia's Strict Regulations on E-cigarette Products: Latest Updates

[5] Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Responds to 2Firsts: Monitoring E-Cigarette Ads with Penalties Up to AUD 20M

[6] ABF Strikes Major Blow Against Illegal E-Cigarette and Tobacco Trade

[7] Rising Concern: One in Four Australian Youth Use Nicotine Pouches

#Legislation #Australia #Oceania #Nicotine-free e-cigarettes

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

Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls

Irish Government has approved the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which will outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and introduce tighter restrictions on other nicotine products such as pouches. The move follows Northern Ireland’s similar ban earlier in 2025 and aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Research | ZYN Launches Limited-Edition Coffee Flavours and Can Engraving Service at Stockholm Arlanda Airport

2Firsts observed that ZYN has introduced limited-edition coffee flavours and an on-site can engraving service in the duty-free zone at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, alongside the rollout of its upgraded packaging and independent core-shelf displays, forming a complete product presentation and consumer experience system.

Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence

Australia has seized more than 600,000 illicit vapes in two months, following coordinated intelligence with overseas partners. The Australian Border Force (ABF) warns that illegal vaping products now form a multibillion-dollar black market dominated by organised crime syndicates.

Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Ukraine Military Voices Concern Over Potential Vape and Pouch Ban

Verkhovna Rada is reviewing six bills to regulate new nicotine products such as pouches and vapes. The main bill, No.14110, proposes a total ban on production, import, and sale, while alternative proposals seek regulation instead of prohibition.