Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in Germany?

Alex Turner

The Law

As of May 2025, nicotine pouches are not legally sold in Germany. While this sounds like a pretty black and white law, the situation is more nuanced than this.

It’s still possible to enjoy nicotine products in Germany if you live in the country or are planning on travelling there.

So, let’s explore the legal landscape of nicotine pouches in Germany.

Nicotine pouches classed as novel foods

In Germany, lawmakers have classed nicotine pouches as “novel foods”. From this position, they have stated that nicotine pouches contain an unauthorized ingredient (nicotine), which prohibits their sale under food safety regulations.

We reckon you can see the issue with this classification. Many experts agree, citing the classification of nicotine pouches as a food product as inappropriate.

Nicotine pouches are not ingested, but used orally like medications, or common self-care items like toothpaste. Many experts call for a more practical regulatory framework in Germany.

"Classifying nicotine pouches as a "novel food" is inappropriate, leading to less choice in nicotine products for consumers.”

Will the rules change?

The German nicotine industry is currently lobbying for the legalization of nicotine pouches as a harm reduction strategy and alternative to smoking.

Proposed reforms include:

• Banning online sales - like in France
• Limiting flavours - like in Denmark
• Capping nicotine levels at 20 mg/g - Like in Denmark

Recent elections have signalled a shift in policymaking sentiment surrounding nicotine pouches, and there appears to be growing support for progressive policies in which nicotine pouches play an important role in harm reduction.

Can I use nicotine pouches in Germany?

Despite the legal landscape in Germany, it’s still possible to use nicotine pouches in the country. The law bans only the retail selling of nicotine pouches.

However, purchasing nicotine pouches online, from countries where their sale is legal – such as Sweden – is a common practice among German consumers of pouches.

Will nicotine pouches be confiscated at customs?

Imports are a legal grey area. Often, personal imports for individual use are tolerated by customs officers, however, they still may be confiscated.

Online retailers like AWO continue to offer shipping to Germany and provide a wide selection of brands, strengths, and flavours. This is because we operate outside of Germany's jurisdiction, and therefore users can legally purchase nicotine pouches for personal use from us and other online sellers.

To give your pouches the best chance of being undisturbed by customs officials, always order an amount that can be comfortably considered for your personal use only. You don’t want to risk customs officials confiscating your pouches, believing that there is a chance you were planning on reselling them.

Your best bet is to order little and regularly to avoid stoking the suspicions of customs officers.

Order to Germany today

To get your pouches delivered quickly and efficiently to you in Germany, simply click the globe in our website header and select ‘Germany’ under ‘Deliver To’.

You’ll find a huge variety of flavours and strengths to try from over 50 of the world’s leading nicotine pouch brands.