Submission: TGA Targeted consultation on the regulation of nicotine pouches
The AMA's submission urges the TGA, and relevant government and enforcement agencies, to act rapidly to prevent a further public health crisis, similar to that experienced with vaping.
The tobacco industry is actively seeking to establish a new generation of people addicted to nicotine, supported by marketing and sponsorship that normalises use. At present, nicotine pouches are being promoted and supplied in the absence of adequate safety and health data, standardised health warnings, and child-resistant packaging. They are also too easily obtained without a prescription, including through online sellers who advertise the ease of postage and convenience.
Australia’s regulatory settings must be future‑proofed so that policy and enforcement stay ahead of industry tactics and product innovation.
The AMA supports the TGA’s proposed amendments to prevent access to unapproved nicotine pouches via existing pathways including the Special Access Scheme, the Authorised Prescriber scheme, personal importation arrangements, and extemporaneous compounding.
The AMA submission also says implementing the TGA's proposed amendments would support more consistent national regulation and reduce the burden on state and territory governments who are using piecemeal mechanisms to address nicotine pouches as an emerging product category.
