Speaker: Andrius Miškelevičius, UAB Global Snus
Lithuania presents an unusual example of Europe’s fragmented nicotine pouch regulations. While domestic sales are prohibited, companies such as UAB Global Snus can manufacture nicotine pouches for export to international markets.
During GINN’s October 2026 webinar, Andrius Miškelevičius, Chief Operating Officer of Global Snus, discussed the operational challenges facing European manufacturers, from maintaining consistent product quality to managing supply chains and meeting evolving regulatory expectations.
His presentation offered a manufacturing perspective on Europe’s wider discussion of nicotine pouch regulation and illicit trade.
Manufacturing Quality and Supply-Chain Reliability
Europe has the industrial expertise and infrastructure to become a significant centre for nicotine pouch production, according to Miškelevičius. However, manufacturing at scale requires careful control of pouch weight, moisture, nicotine content, sealing and packaging.
Even small variations in raw materials can affect production efficiency and product consistency. Miškelevičius explained that Global Snus continues to invest in automation, camera-based monitoring and quality checks, with testing conducted three times daily.
Reliable suppliers are equally important. Nicotine pouch production depends on multiple materials and components, including nicotine, cellulose, pouch paper and packaging. Changes in material quality or interruptions in delivery can disrupt manufacturing.
Miškelevičius emphasised the value of supplier documentation, technical support and maintaining alternative sources for essential materials. These considerations also illustrate how nicotine pouch manufacturing supports a wider network of European suppliers and industrial services.
Traceability and Market Oversight
A central question during the webinar concerned manufacturers’ responsibilities once products leave their facilities, particularly when they are exported to markets with different legal requirements.
Miškelevičius called for clearer European traceability standards, supported by barcodes or QR codes and comprehensive production records.
He argued that manufacturers should be able to document where raw materials originate, how products are manufactured, what quality tests are performed and how production issues are resolved.
Such systems can strengthen accountability and assist regulatory oversight. However, manufacturing traceability alone cannot prevent illicit distribution. Effective market controls also require appropriate oversight of distributors and retail supply chains.
Regulatory Clarity for European Manufacturers
Miškelevičius also highlighted the importance of predictable regulation for companies investing in production facilities, machinery and quality-control systems.
With further discussions expected around the EU’s tobacco regulatory framework, including a possible TPD3 revision, manufacturers need greater clarity about future product standards and traceability obligations.
Consistent requirements and reasonable implementation periods could help businesses plan investments while supporting regulatory compliance.
His remarks underline the practical importance of involving manufacturers in discussions about European nicotine product standards.
For GINN, effective regulation should combine proportionate product requirements with transparent manufacturing practices and credible market oversight. Clear standards can strengthen accountability across the legal supply chain while helping regulators distinguish compliant production from unauthorised distribution.
As Europe considers future nicotine policies, manufacturing experience offers valuable insight into how regulatory requirements can work in practice.
Related GINN coverage: Europe’s Illicit Nicotine Pouch Market: What the Latest Research Reveals
