China has recently introduced the first official regulatory framework for the nicotine pouches market and, more broadly, for oral nicotine products through a measure dated 6 January 2025 (published on 9 January 2026). The new rules entered into force immediately, bringing an end to a long-standing regulatory gap.

The STMA (State Tobacco Monopoly Administration) defines “smokeless products” as products consumed orally, nasally, or through external use, without combustion. This definition explicitly includes pouches, snus, and chewing tobacco, but also oral strips and nicotine patches.

The most significant change is the classification of smokeless products: these products are now treated as cigarettes or fine-cut tobacco, and therefore fall under China’s strict tobacco monopoly system, which entails tighter controls over production, branding, and distribution. In addition, the STMA places them in a “restricted” industrial category, where investments and production capacity may be subject to approval.