Nicotine Pouches in Finland – Rules, Laws and Import Restrictions (2025)

 

Nicotine pouches have become increasingly popular across Europe, but in Finland, they’ve been the subject of considerable regulatory change. If you're living in Finland or just curious about the legal status of these products, this page offers a comprehensive overview of what’s allowed—and what isn’t—as of 2025.

Below, we break down Finland’s laws surrounding nicotine pouches, including current regulations, import restrictions, and upcoming changes. This is a purely informational guide based on publicly available sources such as the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), the Customs Authority (Tulli), and EU-level rulings.

Is It Legal to Sell or Buy Nicotine Pouches in Finland?

As of 2025, nicotine pouches are regulated under Finland's Tobacco Act, not as pharmaceuticals. This means they are treated similarly to tobacco-related products, and are subject to age limits, marketing restrictions, labeling requirements, and product content regulations.

Here’s a summary of the key legal points:

• Legal to sell in Finland: Yes – but ONLY under license, and with STRICT compliance.
• Legal to purchase in-store: Yes – if the buyer is 18 or older.
• Legal to order online: NO-  Not anymore – distance sales to Finland will be prohibited from August 1, 2025.
• Legal to import personally: No and yes,only if you yourself send it for private use, up to 1 kg per person,from February 2026).
• Legal to gift or forward from abroad: No – gifting, reshipping or proxy delivery is not allowed.

This means that while nicotine pouches themselves are not banned, how they are sold, transported, and consumed is heavily regulated. Companies cannot ship to Finland unless they are physically established and licensed within the country.

These rules aim to control the distribution of high-nicotine products, limit youth access, and reduce unregulated cross-border trade that bypasses Finnish health policy.

Upcoming Law Changes in Finland (2025–2026)

In recent years, Finland has taken increasingly strict steps to regulate the marketing and import of nicotine pouches. The most significant change comes into effect on August 1, 2025, when distance selling of nicotine pouches to Finland will be completely prohibited, even from other EU countries.

This new law, passed by the Finnish Parliament and coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), targets unauthorized online sales of high-nicotine products. From that date forward, it will no longer be permitted for foreign businesses to ship nicotine pouches directly to Finnish consumers—even if the product complies with EU standards or was previously allowed for personal import.

According to the Finnish Customs Authority (Tulli), any parcels containing nicotine pouches arriving from abroad after August 1, 2025, will be subject to seizure. Recipients may face customs fines, taxation claims, or legal warnings. The regulation also applies regardless of the size or value of the shipment.

1. February 2026: Personal Import Restrictions

Another major change will take place on February 1, 2026. At that time, personal import of nicotine pouches will be limited to 1 kilogram per person per calendar day. This rule applies to travelers arriving in Finland, including EU citizens, and to Finnish residents returning from abroad.

The law allows private individuals to bring small quantities for personal use, but gifting, forwarding to others, or reselling these products will remain strictly prohibited. Travelers must carry the products themselves and may be asked to declare them to customs officials upon arrival.

Here are the core rules for personal import:

• Maximum limit: 1 kg per person per day
• Only for personal use: Not for sale, gifting, or delivery to others
• Applies to air, land, and ferry travel: Yes
• Proof of origin or receipt: May be requested by customs

2. What Counts as a Nicotine Pouch Under Finnish Law?

Finland defines nicotine pouches as any smokeless product containing nicotine but no tobacco. This includes products with plant fiber, cellulose, or synthetic fillers that are used orally under the lip. Even products with relatively low nicotine concentrations (e.g., 4 mg per pouch) are still subject to regulation.

Additionally, flavored pouches are restricted. As of 2025, only mint and menthol flavors are allowed for legal sale within Finland. Fruity or exotic flavors (such as berry, coffee, or licorice) are banned under Finnish tobacco legislation. Products must also comply with standardized warning labels in Finnish and Swedish.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties for businesses and confiscation of products for consumers.

Why Are Distance Sales to Finland Prohibited?

Finland's decision to ban distance sales of nicotine pouches is part of a broader public health strategy to reduce nicotine exposure, especially among young people. Although nicotine pouches are smokeless and tobacco-free, Finnish health authorities view them as potentially addictive and harmful products that require strict control.

One of the main arguments for the ban is that online sales bypass national regulation. When Finnish consumers order from abroad—especially from websites not based in Finland—there is little control over:

• Nicotine strength and concentration
• Product safety and labeling accuracy
• Marketing practices and age verification
• Compliance with local laws (e.g., flavor bans)

By enforcing a ban on distance selling, the Finnish government aims to close legal loopholes that previously allowed foreign companies to operate without Finnish licenses or tax registration. This shift brings nicotine pouches in line with the regulation of other nicotine-containing products such as e-cigarettes and tobacco.

The law also ensures that only licensed businesses physically established in Finland can offer these products. These companies must comply with Finnish advertising restrictions, product testing, packaging regulations, and tax requirements.

What Are the Risks of Ordering Nicotine Pouches from Abroad?

Although some websites may still claim to offer nicotine pouch shipping to Finland, it’s important to understand the legal and financial risks of placing such orders after August 2025. Under Finnish law, both the seller and the buyer may be held responsible if the transaction violates national legislation.

Here are some of the potential consequences:

• Seizure by Finnish Customs (Tulli): Parcels containing nicotine pouches may be intercepted and destroyed.
• Administrative fines: Importing restricted products can result in monetary penalties or warning letters.
• Tax enforcement: You may be liable for excise tax, VAT, or other import duties—even if the product is for personal use.
• Loss of product with no refund: Most foreign retailers will not refund confiscated shipments.
• Legal risk: Repeated or large-scale import attempts may be treated as intent to distribute, which carries more serious consequences.

For these reasons, ordering from foreign websites is strongly discouraged under current and upcoming Finnish law. Consumers should also be cautious about social media ads, influencer promotions, or unauthorized resellers who may falsely claim to offer “legal” delivery to Finland.

The safest approach is to stay informed, respect national legislation, and only purchase from fully licensed Finnish retailers once those are available and authorized.

What Can Finnish Consumers Still Do Legally?

For consumers in Finland who currently use nicotine pouches or are considering trying them, the new regulations may feel restrictive. However, it's important to recognize that Finnish law still allows limited, personal-use access under very specific conditions.

This section outlines what remains legally permitted under the Finnish Tobacco Act, based on guidance from the Finnish Customs Authority (Tulli) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

1. Travel-Based Personal Import

Starting in February 2026, individuals entering Finland can legally bring nicotine pouches with them—as long as the total amount does not exceed 1 kilogram per calendar day, and the products are intended strictly for personal use.

This rule applies to:

• Finnish citizens returning home
• Tourists or residents entering Finland via land, air, or ferry
• EU and non-EU travelers alike

The products must be carried personally (i.e., in your luggage), and may not be mailed, shipped, or given to someone else to transport. Border officials may request receipts or ask for the origin of the products, so travelers should be prepared to provide basic documentation if asked.

⚠️ Important: This exemption does not apply to online orders, proxy purchases, or reshipments. Attempting to bypass customs by having someone else carry the products for you, or sending them by post, is prohibited and may result in confiscation or penalties.

2. Awaiting Local Availability

While online access is being removed, the Finnish regulatory framework allows for licensed physical retailers to apply for the right to sell nicotine pouches in stores. This means that in the future, Finnish consumers may be able to legally purchase approved products within Finland, provided those products comply with local rules on strength, labeling, and flavor restrictions.

Only products that meet national standards—such as mint- or menthol-flavored options with clear health warnings—will be authorized. These rules are designed to protect consumers and ensure transparency in product information.

3. Staying Informed

The most important step for any consumer is to stay informed through official channels. The Finnish Customs Authority (tulli.fi) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (stm.fi) provide up-to-date legal guidance on nicotine-related products, import rules, and enforcement procedures.

Consumers should avoid relying on informal advice from social media, forums, or unverified websites, which may not reflect current laws. Misinformation can lead to unintentional violations and unnecessary risk.

It's also helpful to monitor news updates, as Finland’s legislation continues to evolve in response to health research and EU policy alignment.

If you want to learn about nicotine pouch laws in other countries, visit our full overview: Nicotine Pouches – Legality by Country.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Nicotine Pouches in Finland