Spain is quickly becoming a focal point in the broader European debate over nicotine pouches. While EU institutions weigh broader harm reduction strategies, Spain has taken a more cautious—and in some cases, restrictive—approach to regulating these alternatives. GINN recently held a regional engagement in Spain to better understand the local regulatory landscape, meet with policymakers…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call for a global ban on flavored nicotine products—a move that continues to raise concerns among harm reduction advocates, public health professionals, and adult consumers who rely on these products to quit smoking. At GINN, we recognize the critical need to protect youth. But we also believe…
A leaked internal report from the European Commission has raised urgent questions about the EU’s proposed overhaul of the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). While the stated goals—reducing smoking and boosting revenue—may be well-intentioned, the Commission’s own analysis warns that sweeping tax hikes could have serious unintended consequences. From soaring excise increases to mounting black market…
By Joel Rubenstein, GINN Focal Point Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) was born not out of global health ambition—but naval necessity. In the 1960s, Swedish submariners needed a smoke-free and spit-free way to consume nicotine underwater. The solution was nicotine gum—commissioned by the Swedish Navy and developed by local pharmaceutical companies. What started as a practical…
Several European Union Member States have formally called on the European Commission to introduce stricter regulation of vaping products and emerging nicotine alternatives. This coordinated initiative reflects growing concern among national governments about rising youth experimentation and the evolving nicotine product landscape. It also signals that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and…
Balancing Harm Reduction and Public Health in the Global Nicotine Dialogue As policymakers prepare for the WHO’s 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the question of whether to ban flavours in nicotine pouches and other reduced-risk products is front and center. While the WHO frames flavours as…
On World No Tobacco Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Chronicle issued a strong call for governments to ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and oral nicotine pouches. Their rationale is clear: flavours like bubblegum, cotton candy, and menthol are being used to attract youth and…
By Rohan Pike, GINN Focal Point on Anti-Illicit Trade As the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves toward implementation, independent retailers are bracing for the fallout—not from enforcement, but from the lack of it. The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) has sounded the alarm: small stores are already struggling to survive, and without proper…
Across Europe, the idea of a “smoke-free generation” is gaining traction among lawmakers. Proposed policies seek to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after a certain year—effectively making smoking illegal for future generations. While these proposals may appear to be a bold public health move, they are increasingly coming under scrutiny for…
The recent French ban on nicotine pouches has triggered a wave of backlash from harm reduction advocates, public health experts, and industry stakeholders. With punitive penalties and sweeping restrictions, the law represents one of the most stringent measures on nicotine alternatives seen in Europe. However, the story is still unfolding—and resistance is mounting. Industry Backlash…