A large number of illegal high-concentration nicotine bags have been seized across the UK, some containing up to 150mg of nicotine. The government plans to spend £30 million to strengthen enforcement to stop the marketing of nicotine products to children.
According to the BBC on February 5, the increase in the number of highly concentrated nicotine bags illegally sold in the UK has caused widespread concern.
Trading standards in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Dorset made more than 1,500 seizures in 2024. More than 900 illegal nicotine packs were seized from Oxfordshire and several criminal investigations were launched. In Dorset, officers made 844 seizures, while Windsor and Maidenhead had 21.
Because these products are relatively new, there are currently no specific regulations governing advertising, strength, or age limits. Instead, they are included in the General Product Safety Regulations, which means that products need to be clearly labeled with safety guidelines.
Most nicotine packs contain 6 to 20 milligrams of nicotine, but some products contain 50 milligrams. Some illegal nicotine packs claim to contain up to 150 milligrams of nicotine.
The UK government says the new legislation will stop nicotine products from being promoted to children and has invested £30 million in enforcement. Japanese Tobacco International (JTI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) said their brands such as Nordic Spirit and Velo nicotine packs were only aimed at the over-18s and would welcome tighter regulation.
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “Snus is harmful and illegally sold in the UK. Our Tobacco and vape Bill will put us on track for a smoke-free Britain and stop vapes and nicotine products, including nicotine packs, from being promoted to children.”
