ASH Scotland and Scottish dental experts are welcoming a measure under the Tobacco and Vapes Act coming into force on Friday (29 October 2026) making it an offence to sell nicotine pouches to people under the age of 18.
The restriction, which aims to reduce sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to young people, is being welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, the British Dental Association Scotland and an Edinburgh-based paediatric dentist, following growing concerns about impacts on oral health.
A health risk assessment by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that a main risk of using nicotine pouches is the high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system and presents high risks for children.
Dentists in Scotland are also warning that the use of nicotine pouches can cause chronic inflammation and other negative impacts on gum tissue.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said: “ASH Scotland welcomes this long overdue legislation to prevent sales of addictive health harming nicotine pouches to children.
“Nicotine addiction can have a devastating impact on young people through affecting their cardiovascular system, brain development and mental health.
“This restriction is an essential step in closing legal loopholes and preventing the tobacco and nicotine industry from continuing to generate massive profits at a cost to children’s health.”
Charlotte Waite, Director of the British Dental Association Scotland. said: “Dentists have already seen the impact these pouches can have on the gums of patients barely in their teens.
“It’s absolutely right to take them off the menu for young people.”
Francesca Capaldi, a paediatric dentist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, said: “Emerging evidence is raising concerns about the impact of nicotine pouches on oral health, including burning, pain and changes to the gums.
“We must take steps to protect children and young people from these potential harms and safeguard their oral health and wellbeing.”
In addition to the age of sale restrictions for nicotine pouches, the new law is also making it a criminal offence to provide free samples, discounts or coupons to promote all recreational nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches.
For information about nicotine pouches, visit ASH Scotland’s briefing and factsheet at www.ashscotland.org.uk/nicotine-pouches/.
