The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has issued advice to retailers on the sale of nicotine pouches, raising a warning against illegal high-strength pouches being in circulation.
SGF has also urged anyone with information about those selling them to contact police or trading standards.
SGF has written to members, reiterating its stance that nicotine pouches are an adult smoking cessation device that “should not be marketed or sold to children”.
These products do not contain tobacco and are regulated under standards set out in The General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Luke McGarty, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at SGF, said, “While there is no legal age limit on the sale of nicotine pouch products in Scotland, concerns have been raised about the impacts of nicotine on the health of younger people.
“Standard pouches contain up to 20mg of nicotine, with over 30mg typically providing more nicotine per pouch than a cigarette.
“However, extra-high strength, illegal and counterfeit pouches of 100mg+, which may pose a significant risk to the users’ health, have been reported widely in the media.
“We would encourage anyone with information about these illicit products to share that with police or trading standards.”
New restrictions on the sale and age limit for nicotine pouch products are expected to be introduced through the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
“Just like retailers across the country, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation is focused on responsible community retailing,” Mr McGarty added.
“We work with key stakeholders to promote this goal and highlight the importance of adhering to legislative and regulatory requirements.”
SGF has highlighted that there is a British Standards Institution course on tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches.
Full guidance and information on Regulations for Nicotine Vaping Products and Tobacco Compliance in Scotland are available on the SGF website here.