The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is officially launched, calling for a clear regulatory framework grounded in scientific evidence

Dec.03

The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) has launched in Madrid, uniting more than 40 companies to call for science-based, proportionate regulation. The group warns that a proposed 0.99 mg nicotine cap could amount to a de facto ban and introduces new voluntary industry standards in response.

Disclaimer

This article was submitted to 2Firsts by Mónica Andrade. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the position of 2Firsts. 2Firsts publishes this article to present diverse perspectives and promote constructive dialogue within the industry.

Key Points

● The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) has been officially presented in Madrid. The organization is also a member of the international GINN network (Global Institute for Novel Nicotine).

● With no tobacco, combustion or inhalation, these emerging products in Spain have significant growth potential among adult nicotine consumers.

● “We want to be part of the solution. This means self-regulation, corporate responsibility, and a full willingness to engage in dialogue with the Administration.”

Madrid, December 3, 2025 —The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) was officially launched today in Madrid. ABN is a newly created sectoral organisation listed in the European Union Transparency Register and brings together manufacturers and distributors of oral, smoke-free nicotine products operating in Spain. The association aims to represent the sector, promote best practices, and contribute to building a regulated, safe and responsible market.

This is the first association to unite more than 40 European manufacturers and distributors, including CLEW, Greatest, Denssi, Europouches, CAMO, Rush, Rebel, Mynt, Chemnovatic and Pouch Solutions.

A Call for Proportionate, Evidence-Based Regulation

During the event, ABN President Mónica Andrade emphasized the need for a proportionate regulatory framework aligned with the broader European context.

“Our message is clear: regulate rather than prohibit. Spain needs coherent regulation and information based on data, not ideology—ensuring that these products are accessible only to adults while giving the sector the legal certainty it needs to operate responsibly,” Andrade stated.

An Emerging Sector with Economic Potential Dependent on Future Regulation

Nicotine pouches are a rapidly growing category across Europe and the United States. Although still at an early stage in Spain, the category has notable growth potential in the coming years, offering an oral alternative to inhaled or combusted nicotine products and aimed exclusively at adult nicotine consumers. Tobacco-free and without combustion or inhalation, these products are used orally and release nicotine progressively over a short period of time.

Spain currently lacks a specific regulatory framework, and there is widespread misinformation—creating operational uncertainty for companies manufacturing and marketing these products, and increasing the risk of an uncontrolled market.

In this regard, the association expresses deep concern over the proposed amendment to Royal Decree 579/2017, put forward by the Ministry of Health, which seeks to limit nicotine content to 0.99 mg per pouch. According to the Ministry itself, such a limit would amount to a de facto ban of these products in Spain, while in the vast majority of countries, permissible levels are significantly higher.

A Sector-Led Framework for Self-Regulation

During the launch event, ABN presented its first set of voluntary industry standards, outlining commitments in areas such as youth protection, product quality and safety, responsible packaging, environmental practices, and commercial communication aimed strictly at adults.

“We want to be an active part of the solution. This means self-regulation, corporate responsibility and complete openness to dialogue with the Administration,” Andrade underscored.

About ABN

The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is a newly established business organization representing independent nicotine pouch manufacturers worldwide with a presence in the Spanish market. ABN is a member of the international network GINN (Global Institute for Novel Nicotine).

With more than 40 member companies, ABN is committed to advancing science-based regulation, fostering innovation and promoting reduced-risk alternatives for adult smokers.