Customs seize 3,728 nicotine pouches in Cyprus amid push for regulation

Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities in Cyprus have seized more than 3,700 nicotine pouches over the past two and a half years, with the products continuing to circulate despite having no legal authorisation for sale. The figures were released on Thursday in customs department data.

Seizures and inspection channels

A total of 3,728 nicotine sachets were confiscated between November 2023 and early March 2026 through inspections of postal shipments, retail premises and travellers entering the country.

Customs records show that most seizures occurred in postal and courier deliveries, where 1,950 nicotine pouches were intercepted. Another 1,533 were found in shops, 235 were discovered in passengers’ luggage and ten were identified at transit points.

Regulatory context

The figures highlight the scale of a market operating largely outside the formal regulatory framework, even as a proposed law seeks to bring the products under tobacco control legislation.

Origin and traceability

Authorities said the products are entering Cyprus through several routes, from online purchases to physical retail distribution, and that officials have struggled to trace the origin of many of the products.

Of the total seized, 1,435 originated from EU countries and 928 from third countries, while the source of 1,365 remained unknown. Officials said the lack of traceability raises concerns about production standards and supply chains.

Product description

Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed under the lip that release nicotine without tobacco combustion.

Have you seen nicotine pouches being sold in shops or online in Cyprus?