AMA Calls for Stronger Regulation of Nicotine Pouches

AMA Calls for Stronger Regulation of Nicotine Pouches

07 May 2026

The AMA says the federal government and enforcement agencies should act to close regulatory gaps that are allowing unapproved nicotine pouches to enter the Australian market.

Under current rules, nicotine for human use is a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine. However, no nicotine pouch products are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), meaning there are no approved products for supply through normal channels.

The AMA supports proposed TGA changes aimed at blocking access to unapproved nicotine pouches through existing pathways, including the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescriber scheme, personal importation, and compounding arrangements.

The submission also raises concerns about growing online sales and promotion of nicotine pouches, along with the rise of synthetic nicotine. It warns these trends are creating gaps in regulation and enforcement.

The AMA says stronger national rules would improve consistency across Australia and reduce reliance on state and territory measures to manage this emerging product.

https://www.ama.com.au/

Source: Australian Medical Association (Federal submission to TGA consultation)
 

Categories

Popular Posts

Recent Posts

National Plan to Strengthen Digital Health in Allied Health Services Source: Practice Pulse, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (07 May 2026) A new National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan is aiming to improve how allied health professionals use digital health tools and share patient information across care teams. The plan has been developed by the Australian Digital Health Agency in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Allied Health Professions Australia. It focuses on building digital skills across the allied health workforce and supporting the use of systems such as My Health Record and Provider Connect Australia. Improving coordination of care The initiative is designed to make it easier for health professionals to access and share important patient information. This is expected to support more timely, coordinated, and individualised care for patients, while improving overall health outcomes. Support for providers Training and guidance will be provided to help allied health professionals adopt and use digital health tools more effectively. For questions or further information, providers can contact digitalhealth@swsphn.com.au.

Tags