Ukraine Military Voices Concern Over Potential Vape and Pouch Ban

Nov.10.2025
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.

Key Point

  • Six draft laws address nicotine pouches, sachets, and vapes.
  • Main bill No.14110 calls for a full ban on production and sales.
  • Military and experts oppose the ban, citing use among soldiers.
  • Alternative bills propose regulation, registration, and labeling.
  • Bill No.14110-4 also seeks to ban e-cigarettes and refill containers.

 


 

2Firsts, Nov. 10, 2025 — According to Vox Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada is considering six draft laws to establish rules for new nicotine products — including pouches, sachets, and other smoke-free items containing nicotine but not tobacco.

 

The main bill, No.14110, defines “nicotine products for oral use” as those consumed through the mouth’s mucous membrane, such as pouches or sachets, and proposes a complete ban on their production, import, sale, and circulation within Ukraine.

 

Several military personnel and public health experts have voiced opposition to the total ban, noting that nicotine pouches are widely used among Ukrainian soldiers. They do not require fire, do not reveal positions at night, and are convenient in the field. 

 

The state also collects significant tax revenue from these products — around UAH 1 billion expected in 2025. Opponents warn that a full ban could drive the market underground, as happened with flavored vapes, 93% of which are now illicit, and cause budget losses.

 

Alternative bills, however, aim to regulate rather than prohibit nicotine pouches and tobacco-free products by setting unified rules for their circulation. 

 

Most require manufacturers to notify the Ministry of Health before market entry — three months (Bills Nos.14110-2, -4, -5) or six months (Bill No.14110-1) — and to submit detailed information on composition, nicotine content, toxicological data, and production processes.

 

The proposed nicotine strength limits vary: 20 mg per portion in most bills, or 17 mg under Bill No.14110-3. All versions prohibit advertising, sponsorship, sales to minors, and any state support for production. 

 

Packaging would need to display product details — including composition, dosage, and production date — along with a mandatory health warning. For example, Bill No.14110-3 requires the warning to cover at least 30% of the package, while Bill No.14110-5 mandates the label: “This product contains nicotine and causes addiction.”

 

Bill No.14110-4 separately proposes a full ban on the production, import, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and refill containers.

 

Lawmakers are now debating how to balance public health goals with economic interests and existing use among the military.

Image source: Vox Ukraine

 

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

Sesh touts independence, 8VC backing and retail reach as it challenges tobacco-owned pouch brands
Sesh touts independence, 8VC backing and retail reach as it challenges tobacco-owned pouch brands
U.S. nicotine pouch brand Sesh has emphasized its independence from Altria, Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, along with backing from investors including 8VC, celebrity supporters and a retail footprint of more than 7,500 stores, as it seeks to differentiate itself in a market where major pouch brands are owned by large tobacco companies.
Regulations
Jul.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announced that it will introduce a BIG PACK version of all five tobacco capsule variants designed for its with2 infused tobacco system. Scheduled for release in Japan on August 4, 2026, the refreshed packaging doubles the contents from five capsules and one cartridge to ten capsules and two cartridges while maintaining the same flavors and formulations
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Data|China’s January-May 2026 Device Exports Rise 13% While Nicotine Product Exports Decline 6.9%
Data|China’s January-May 2026 Device Exports Rise 13% While Nicotine Product Exports Decline 6.9%
According to China Customs export data analyzed by 2Firsts, China’s vape export mix continued to evolve during January-May 2026. Exports of electronic vaporisation devices (HS 85434000) increased 13.00% year on year, supported by growth in both shipment volume and average export prices. Meanwhile, exports of nicotine-containing non-combustible products (HS 24041200) declined 6.89%, with lower shipment volumes partly offset by higher average export prices.
Special Report
Jun.30
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
CTIHK expects first-half 2026 revenue to fall 25%-30%, mainly due to lower tobacco leaf imports and delayed cigarette shipments to China’s domestic duty-free market. Its 2025 revenue mix—nearly 90% from tobacco leaf-related businesses and less than 1% from new tobacco products—shows continued exposure to traditional supply chains and trade variables.
Jun.18
Italy Fines PMI €7 Million Over Misleading ‘Smoke-Free Future’ Marketing Claims
Italy Fines PMI €7 Million Over Misleading ‘Smoke-Free Future’ Marketing Claims
Italy’s Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has fined Philip Morris Italia €7 million, finding that the company’s use of “smoke-free future” and related claims in promoting products such as IQOS, VEEV and ZYN could mislead consumers.
Jun.16
Minnesota Sues Loon as State Enforcement Targets U.S. Vape Brand Operators
Minnesota Sues Loon as State Enforcement Targets U.S. Vape Brand Operators
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Maduro Distributors, Inc., doing business as Loon, on July 15, 2026, alleging that the company illegally manufactured, distributed and sold flavored vapes that appeal to minors.
Jul.16