Following the Portuguese government’s inclusion of nicotine pouches and other “tobacco/nicotine-containing products” under the Special Excise Tax (IEC). Philip Morris International’s (PMI) subsidiary, Tabaqueira, confirmed it will begin selling nicotine pouches in Portugal in 2026 and has already begun trial sales in two stores.
Key Takeaways
- Tabaqueira (PMI’s Portuguese subsidiary) confirmed: Nicotine pouches will be sold in Portugal this year.
- The government has included nicotine pouches in the list of products subject to the Special Excise Tax (IEC).
- The product does not contain tobacco but contains nicotine. It differs from traditional “snus” (oral tobacco) banned in most EU countries.
- Currently, the company is conducting a “soft launch/trial sales” in two stores and has not yet announced a full rollout timeline.
- The government expects an additional €71 million (approximately US$82.36 million) in tobacco-related tax revenue, bringing the total to approximately €1.67 billion (approximately US$1.937 billion).
Tabaqueira Plans to Launch Nicotine Pouches in Portugal
On March 10, 2026. Portuguese media outlet ECO reported that Tabaqueira, a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI) in Portugal, announced plans to sell nicotine pouches in Portugal starting in 2026.
Tax Policy Change Clears Path for Market Entry
This move comes after the Portuguese government included nicotine pouches in the list of “tobacco/nicotine-containing products” subject to a Special Excise Tax (IEC). Industry insiders generally believe that this clarification of the tax regulations removes a key obstacle to the product’s entry into legitimate sales channels.
Trial Sales Begin Ahead of Full Commercial Launch
According to reports, nicotine pouches are already available in some channels. But Tabaqueira will proceed with formal commercialization after the tax adjustment. A “soft launch/trial sale” arrangement is currently underway in two stores before expanding coverage.
Nicotine Pouches Differ From Traditional Snus
Nicotine pouches themselves do not contain tobacco and are typically placed on the gums. The concept is related to the traditional Swedish snus, but the snus contains tobacco and is banned in most EU member states (Sweden received an exception due to its EU membership). While nicotine pouches are permitted for sale in most EU countries.
Government Expects Higher Tobacco Tax Revenue
In terms of taxation. The Portuguese government expects tobacco-related tax revenue to increase by €71 million (approximately US$82.36 million), bringing the total related tax revenue to approximately €1.67 billion (approximately US$1.937 billion).
Tabaqueira’s Presence in Portugal
Tabaqueira employs approximately 1,500 people in Portugal.
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