Despite a government crackdown, nicotine pouches continue to slip through regulatory cracks in Belgium, with hundreds of shops still selling the pouches a year after the ban took effect.Government data showed that out of 1,781 establishments checked, 318 were found selling nicotine pouches and seized 3,273 packets."[Sellers] are very inventive in finding ways to bypass legislation. They are very creative in hiding the products: in washing machines, chip boxes, ovens, etc.," said Annelies Wynant, a spokesperson for Ministry of Health..France to ban nicotine pouches.The ban, implemented in October 2023, was part of Belgium's strategy to create a "smoke-free" generation. Former Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke argued that nicotine pouches, even though they do not contain tobacco, could serve as a gateway to smoking.A recent investigation by The Brussels Times found multiple flavoured nicotine pouches readily available in a local corner shop..Report finds nicotine pouches could help Europe meet smoke-free goals decades sooner.The shopkeeper casually pointed out the products, indicating how widespread the illegal sales remain.Enforcement comes with significant penalties. Illegal sales can result in fines ranging from €208 ($307) to €120,000 ($177,000). However, online sales present an additional challenge, with the health ministry admitting it lacks the expertise to effectively monitor internet commerce..Smokers forced to drive hours to find pharmacies with nicotine pouches."We have an e-commerce service, but for the moment they focus on online sale of e-cigarettes and online advertisement for e-cigarettes and not yet on nicotine pouches," said Wynant.Wynant noted that coordinated efforts with neighbouring countries like the Netherlands might improve the ban's effectiveness. The ministry believes a successful prohibition requires a deeper understanding of the nicotine market and tracking sales strategies.
