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Are nicotine pouches illegal in India?

Partly. Nicotine pouches are restricted in India. No pouch law, but a Sept 2026 order tells states to seize them.

No statute names pouches (not in PECA 2019, not COTPA). Health Ministry letter to all states, 19 Sep 2026 (Reuters, 25 Sep 2026): pouches 'remain illegal and unapproved'; states told to search, seize and prosecute under drug-law powers; Adani duty-free case pending. Enforcement order on an unapproved-drug basis, not a ban law, so amber.

Source: Health Ministry, Sep 2026

• India is one of 11 countries where nicotine pouches are banned, and 5 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 6.
• In Asia: banned in 2 of 46 countries.

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Other countries that ban nicotine pouches

KyrgyzstanUzbekistanRussiaLithuaniaMauritiusSingaporeBelgiumNetherlandsFranceAustraliaNorwayAll 11 on the map ›

What else is banned in India