The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 10th January 2024:
The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government:
- what assessment they have made of the prevalence of the use of (1) oral tobacco-free nicotine pouches and (2) oral tobacco pouches, in England, especially among children and teenagers.
- what assessment they have made the long-term medical effects of using oral tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
- what plans they have to regulate the use of oral tobacco-free nicotine pouches in England.
Lord Markham (Con, Department of Health & Social Care): Oral tobacco, otherwise known as snus, is banned in the United Kingdom under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Prevalence of oral tobacco-free nicotine pouches remains low, with data from Action on Smoking and Health in 2022 showing that 3.9% of adults had ever tried nicotine pouches.
There is limited research and evidence into the harms of nicotine pouches and their ability to support smoking quit attempts. However, we will continue to monitor the evidence. Whilst there is currently no age of sale restrictions on nicotine pouches, manufacturers do print age restrictions on their packs.
In October 2023, the Government and devolved administrations launched the smokefree generation and youth vaping consultation. This included consideration of whether consumer nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, should come under a similar regulatory framework as nicotine vapes. The consultation response will be published shortly.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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