What’s Legal, What Isn’t, and What You Need to Know

Among the general public, the terms snus and nicotine pouches are often used interchangeably. They look similar and are used in a similar way, which understandably causes confusion. But in legal and regulatory terms, they are very different products with very different statuses under UK law.

Snus is an oral tobacco product, which is illegal to sell in the UK. Nicotine pouches, however, contain no tobacco at all and are instead tobacco-free nicotine products that act much more like nicotine gum or lozenges. As a result, nicotine pouches are completely legal to import, sell and own in the UK, and their legal status differs sharply from snus.

Is snus legal in the UK?

No. Snus is illegal to sell in the UK.

Snus is a tobacco product traditionally used in Sweden and parts of Scandinavia. It has been banned for sale across the UK and most of the EU since the early 1990s under tobacco control law — a ban that has continued in UK law following Brexit. While owning a small quantity personally isn’t usually enforced, selling, marketing or importing snus commercially is prohibited. 

Why nicotine pouches are legally distinct

Nicotine pouches are often mistakenly called “snus,” but the key difference is that they do not contain tobacco. UK legislation targets tobacco products — especially those involving combustion — because it’s the tobacco smoke that causes the overwhelming majority of smoking-related diseases.

Because nicotine pouches lack tobacco and do not produce smoke or vapour, they are treated differently under UK law. They can be sold, bought and used by adults, and are not subject to the snus ban. 

Are nicotine pouches legal in the UK?

Yes. Nicotine pouches are legal in the UK.

They are widely available and legally sold to adults. Unlike snus, they are not covered by the snus ban because they contain no tobacco, and they do not fall under the same restrictions as combustible products. Current product regulation focuses mainly on age restrictions and responsible marketing. 

However, regulation is evolving. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, nicotine pouches — along with other nicotine products — are being brought into a clearer regulatory framework. This bill would create powers to regulate product display, packaging, advertising and flavours, and set minimum age limits for sale. 

This reflects a wider shift in how policymakers think about nicotine products: balancing harm reduction for adult smokers with protecting young people and non-smokers.

The UK government’s position on nicotine pouches

Recent UK government correspondence confirms that nicotine pouches are acknowledged as likely lower-risk alternatives to smoking, precisely because they do not involve inhaling harmful combustion by-products such as tar and carbon monoxide. Officials have recognised their potential as a harm-reduction tool and emphasised the importance of proportionate, evidence-based regulation that avoids pushing adults back to cigarettes. 

Key points from government communications include:

• Nicotine pouches are likely less harmful than smoking because they avoid smoke and combustion toxins. 
• Upcoming regulation will treat oral nicotine products as a distinct category under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. 
• Any regulatory framework should be proportionate and avoid unintended consequences that might undermine smoking reduction efforts. 
• New laws are expected to clarify age limits and marketing restrictions for nicotine products, including pouches. 

This position is consistent with the longstanding UK public health focus on reducing smoking-related harm, which has previously supported alternatives such as nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation aids. While nicotine isn’t harmless, separating smoke and tobacco from nicotine delivery is widely viewed as a critical step in reducing smoking harm.

Where nicotine pouches can be used

Because nicotine pouches produce no smoke or vapour, they are treated differently from cigarettes and vapes in everyday settings, and are often tolerated where smoking and vaping are not permitted.

On aeroplanes

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all commercial flights. Nicotine pouches, however, involve no flame or vapour and are generally permitted for personal use during flights, depending on airline policies.

At airports

Many UK airports have removed or severely restricted smoking areas after security checks, and vaping is also often limited. Nicotine pouches are widely used because they:

• Don’t require stepping outside terminals
• Don’t produce odour or visible emissions
• Are discreet and personal

Airport staff usually treat them like other smokeless nicotine products such as gum.

On public transport

Smoking and vaping are banned on UK buses, trains, trams and other public transport. Nicotine pouches, being smokeless and non-vaping, are typically permitted since they don’t affect other passengers.

In workplaces and indoor venues

Indoor smoking bans are well established in the UK, and many workplaces also restrict vaping. Nicotine pouches are often allowed in such environments because they release no smoke or vapour, though venue policies may vary.

In all cases, it’s good practice to check local rules and policies, especially where employers or venues have specific guidelines.

Why this legal distinction matters

Clear legal definitions help both consumers and retailers understand what is and isn’t allowed. Misunderstanding the difference between snus and nicotine pouches can lead to unnecessary fear or confusion.

Snus remains illegal to sell in the UK because it contains tobacco. Nicotine pouches, being tobacco-free, are legal and provide a tobacco-free alternative to smoking and vaping.

Knowing this difference is especially important for adults considering smoke-free options, and for retailers navigating evolving regulations.

The legal landscape for nicotine products in the UK is evolving, but the distinction between tobacco-based snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches is clear in 2026. Snus is prohibited from sale due to its tobacco content, while nicotine pouches are legally sold and used by adults.

The government’s current stance recognises the potential for nicotine pouches to reduce harm compared to smoking, and upcoming legislation aims to balance adult access with youth protection. Understanding these legal nuances empowers consumers to make informed choices and helps ensure compliance with UK law.