New Rules Curb Youth Appeal of Nicotine Products
August 26, 2024Attention: Retailers, pharmacists, and manufacturers of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). Health Canada has introduced new regulations, effective immediately, aimed at reducing the appeal and accessibility of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to youth. These measures, issued through a Ministerial Order, are designed to restrict access to these products for recreational use by young people while ensuring they remain available to adults who use them to quit smoking.
Key Retail-Level Impacts:
- Advertising and Promotion Restrictions: All advertising, promotion, labeling, and packaging that could appeal to youth are now prohibited.
- Pharmacist-Controlled Sales: NRTs in new formats, such as nicotine pouches, must now be sold exclusively by pharmacists or under their supervision and must be kept behind the pharmacy counter.
- Flavor Restrictions: These new NRT formats are also prohibited from being sold with any flavors other than mint or menthol.
Manufacturing-Level Impact:
- New labeling requirements are in place, and further details are available here.
The Order was published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on August 28, 2024, and came into force immediately. A six-month transition period will be provided for some requirements. Guidance on packaging, labeling, and advertising is available on the same date to help the industry comply with the new regulations.
For any questions or to request a copy of the full Order, please contact Avery Bruenjes, Director of Regulatory Affairs, at abruenjes@retailcouncil.org by September 6.
