Fake Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are a popular smoke-free, device-free, and tobacco-leaf-free alternative to cigarettes. When the small pouch is placed between the gum and top lip, adult users can experience a discreet and smoke-free nicotine experience. However, consumers must be wary of fake nicotine pouches or counterfeit products imitating legitimate brands, including ZYN. 

In this article we will cover what fake nicotine pouches are, how to identify authentic ZYN products, and the implications that counterfeit nicotine pouches can have on consumers. 

What are counterfeit nicotine pouches?

Counterfeit, or fake nicotine pouches imitate popular brands. They’re often illegally made to look like branded and trademarked nicotine pouches, even mimicking product packaging or names.  

These fake nicotine pouches will have no association with the real brand, and are not made with the same quality, hygiene, or safety standards as legitimate products. They may contain unregulated or contaminated ingredients, poor quality ingredients, and levels of nicotine which do not match the advertised strength on the packet.  

There is no way of knowing what really goes into a counterfeit nicotine pouch, and this can have serious implications for consumers. 

Are nicotine pouches legal in the UK?

Yes, tobacco-leaf-free nicotine pouches are legal in the United Kingdom. The nicotine pouches you see for sale on legitimate websites or in trusted stores and supermarkets undergo specific quality control procedures. Tobacco-leaf-free nicotine pouches, including ZYN products, are available to adult consumers in England, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  

Is snus legal in the UK?

No. Snus or “tobacco pouches” are illegal within the United Kingdom and most of Europe¹. Unlike nicotine pouches, snus contains actual tobacco, meaning they are subject to a different regulatory framework to other nicotine products in many countries.  

How to spot fake ZYN

Fake ZYN does exist in the market, however there are signs you can look out for to ensure you are purchasing a legitimate ZYN product. 

Spelling – counterfeit packaging may contain spelling errors, mis-matched fonts, or incorrect details 

Barcode – fake products may not have a barcode on them, or the code may look distorted/pasted on 

Packaging – the packaging may be poor quality or inconsistent 

Warning labels – ZYN products contain the warning “This product is not risk free and contains nicotine, which is addictive.” 

Best before date – authentic ZYN nicotine pouch cans include a best before/use before date 

Price – while ZYN offers price promotions and bundle discounts, if a product seems too cheap to be real it is often a red-flag 

Retailers – only purchase ZYN products and other nicotine pouches from authorised retailers such as brand websites, trusted 3rd parties, or legitimate stores where your consumer rights are protected 

Implications of fake nicotine pouches

The sale and availability of fake and counterfeit nicotine pouches can have real consequences and serious implications for both consumers and brands. 

Health risks – the ingredients in fake nicotine pouches are unknown and consumers may experience adverse reactions 

Nicotine regulation – fake products contain unknown levels of nicotine which could lead to overconsumption or users not receiving the advertised strength within a pouch 

Legality – selling or importing counterfeit products can lead to prosecution 

Ethical implications – fake products of legitimate brands damage consumer trust and, since the production practices are unknown, there is no way to ensure the products are made ethically or safely 

Many adult smokers find nicotine pouches useful in their smoke-free journey away from cigarettes. Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco-leaf and, as there is no combustion either, they are a reduced risk* compared to smoking. 

*This product is not risk free and contains nicotine which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

Ensuring you know how to spot fake ZYN and that the products you are consuming are legitimate is essential to being able to make a fully informed decision. 

¹ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-476-tobacco-products-duty/excise-notice-476-tobacco-products-duty