Health Ministry warns over nicotine pouch sales and promotion

The Public Health Ministry’s Disease Control Department has warned that nicotine pouches, or ‘Snus’, are classified as tobacco products and their sale and promotion must, therefore, strictly comply with the law.

Deputy Director General Dr Suthat Chottanapund said his department has received complaints regarding the sale of and promotional activities for these products.

He said such activities may violate several laws, in particular the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017).

As they are considered tobacco products, Dr Suthat said that they are strictly prohibited from being displayed or promoted at points of sale.

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Any form of product display, prominent placement or communication that constitutes sales promotion would be a violation of the law.

In addition, offering these products as free gifts or exchanging them for other goods breaks the law.

Meanwhile, Dr Chayanan Sittibusaya, Acting Senior Medical Expert and Director of the Office of the Tobacco Products Control Committee, added that businesses are required to store such products out of sight, in the same manner as cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco.

Even if the products have been lawfully taxed, any sale or promotional activity that does not comply with the Act is still illegal and could result in prosecution.

For further inquiries, please contact the Office of the Tobacco Products Control Committee at 02 590 3852.