Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies yesterday (October 31) approved Bill No. 8333, tightening rules on both traditional tobacco and newer nicotine products. The law, which implements EU Directive 2022/2100, most notably brings nicotine pouches—previously unregulated—under the same tobacco-style framework. Health authorities praised the move; business groups warned of possible economic fallout.

Under the new law, nicotine pouches face advertising bans, sales restrictions to minors, labelling and notification duties, and a strict nicotine limit of 0.048 mg per pouch or per gram. Additives such as caffeine and CBD are banned. Use of these products will be limited in public spaces, with particular emphasis on locations frequented by young people. The measures are intended to reduce access and to counter the notion that nicotine pouches are harmless alternatives.

The bill also prohibits flavourings for heated tobacco products and requires health warnings on their packaging. It sets out new rules for the labelling, presentation and marketing of heated tobacco, electronic cigarettes and nicotine-free liquids. Vending machines must display health warnings and are no longer allowed to show promotional graphics. Cigarette packs may only be sold in multiples of five—a step aimed at reducing fragmented sales and making tobacco less accessible to younger consumers, according to Delano.

Public health organisations welcomed the legislation as a necessary step to protect youth and curb addiction. The Chamber of Commerce, however, criticised the measures as overly restrictive, arguing that the low nicotine threshold could act as a de facto ban and potentially drive consumers to black market sources or cross-border purchases.

The law will take effect on the first day of the month after it is published in the Journal Officiel. Requirements for vending machine displays will be delayed by three months.