Luxembourg Ends the “Wild West” Era of Nicotine Pouches with Stricter Controls

After nearly two years of debate, Luxembourg has officially tightened its anti-smoking legislation — bringing regulation to previously uncharted territory for nicotine products such as snus, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. The reform, which aims to strengthen prevention and awareness, was adopted in the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday with a large majority.

The new law, supported by the CSV, DP, LSAP, and déi Lénk (49 votes in favour), introduces a ban on the sale of snus to minors and enforces stricter limits on the nicotine content of all pouches. Only the ADR opposed the bill, while déi Gréng and the Pirate Party abstained.

“This law puts an end to the Wild West,” said Marc Baum of déi Lénk, describing the reform as a long-overdue measure to bring order and accountability to a fast-growing and largely unregulated market.

Health Minister Martine Deprez (CSV) and rapporteur Françoise Kemp (CSV) defended the law’s balanced approach, emphasizing education and prevention over prohibition. “Prevention is our priority,” Deprez said. “In the coming months, we will strengthen awareness campaigns in collaboration with the CNS and the Cancer Foundation.”

One of the key measures limits the maximum nicotine content per pouch to 0.048 grams, a move welcomed by DP representative Carole Hartmann, who stressed the importance of protecting young people from underestimating the risks.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from several sides. The ADR’s Alexandra Schoos argued that the limit “is equivalent to a ban,” warning that such restrictions could simply push consumers toward online or cross-border purchases where stronger products remain available.

The Pirate Party, while supporting protection for minors, said the law does not go far enough. MP Sven Clement called it “a superb law for minors, but a bad one for adults,” arguing that Luxembourg should have had the “courage to impose a total ban.”

The LSAP and déi Gréng also expressed disappointment, calling for a full prohibition of nicotine pouches. Former Health Minister Mars Di Bartolomeo (LSAP) denounced the measure as “a victory for the tobacco lobby,” while Djuna Bernard (déi Gréng) lamented that “commercial interests have once again outweighed public health.”

Despite the disagreements, the new law represents a turning point in Luxembourg’s tobacco and nicotine policy, replacing years of minimal oversight with structured regulation. For many policymakers, it marks the end of a chaotic market and the beginning of a more responsible, health-conscious approach to nicotine consumption in the country.
Read More : Nicotine pouches: the end of the "wild west" is here | The Daily

Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app
SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu