Australia's Regulation of Nicotine Pouches Under
Scrutiny
CANBERRA — A new report suggests that Australia’s regulation of nicotine pouches could be hindering efforts to reduce smoking rates among women, according to research released on International Women’s Day. The report, titled ‘Empowerment in a Pouch’, documents Sweden’s success in decreasing female smoking rates by nearly 50% since 2016, largely attributed to the availability of nicotine pouches.
The study, co-authored by Professor Marewa Glover, a behavioural scientist, indicates that nicotine pouches have significantly contributed to Sweden’s progress towards becoming smoke-free. ‘Sweden’s experience shows what happens when women are given realistic alternatives to smoking,’ Glover stated. The report highlights that Swedish women’s quit-smoking rates have tripled, outpacing other European countries.
Potential Impact on Australian Smoking Rates
In Australia, nicotine pouches are classified as prescription-only medicines, making them less accessible. Dr Delon Human, co-author and former secretary-general of the World Medical Association, emphasised the need for regulatory frameworks to reflect the risk profile of smoke-free nicotine products. He warned that treating these products like cigarettes could limit quitting options for women, who continue to face health risks from smoking.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 8:24 pm
