Austria will permit the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches starting in April under age restrictions, product requirements, and state oversight, according to the consumer initiative Considerate Pouchers, Tobacco Journal reports.

By contrast, Germany currently allows possession and consumption but effectively prohibits sales, as nicotine pouches are classified as food products despite being marketed as adult enjoyment items. The initiative warns that this legal ambiguity drives consumers to online or cross-border purchases, often without reliable quality controls or youth protection.

Considerate Pouchers is calling for clear regulation in Germany, including legal sales to adults 18+, binding labelling and ingredient standards, and controlled distribution both in stores and online.