The Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC) has released a new policy paper outlining principles for regulating non-medicinal nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

The framework urges governments to adopt evidence-based regulations aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), with a focus on protecting youth and non-users from nicotine addiction.

According to GATC, the growing availability of these products poses new public health challenges, particularly due to rising uptake among young people and the risk of dual use with conventional cigarettes. The organization also warned that tobacco companies are increasingly promoting such products as alternatives to offset declining cigarette sales.

The paper calls on governments to consider measures such as restricting marketing and flavours attractive to minors, regulating or prohibiting the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, and strengthening cessation support systems.

GATC said regulatory approaches may vary by country but should prioritize preventing youth initiation, addressing industry interference, and supporting comprehensive tobacco control policies.