Ireland’s Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing Regime and the Role of Nicotine Pouches

Ireland’s new retail licensing regime for tobacco and vape products took effect in February 2026, aiming to strengthen oversight and public health protection. However, nicotine pouches remain outside the current framework, raising concerns about regulatory gaps. As tobacco-free alternatives gain popularity, industry voices argue that consistent rules are essential for consumer clarity, responsible retailing, and innovation across smoke-free nicotine products.

What is Ireland’s new tobacco and vape retail licensing regime?

Ireland’s retail licensing regime is a national system requiring retailers to hold an annual license for each premises selling tobacco or nicotine inhaling products. Enforced by the Health Service Executive, the framework is designed to control access, ensure compliance, and support public health objectives. Licenses are issued per point of sale and must be renewed yearly, with penalties for non-compliance.

When did the licensing system take effect?

The system officially came into force on February 2, 2026. From that date, retailers selling covered products are legally required to hold a valid license. This start date marked a significant shift toward tighter regulation of nicotine-related retail activity across Ireland.

Which products are currently covered under the regime?

The regime applies to traditional tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes and vapes. These categories are defined under existing public health legislation and focus primarily on combustible or inhaled nicotine formats.

Product Category	Included in Licensing	Annual Fee per Premises
Tobacco products	Yes	€1,000
E-cigarettes	Yes	€800
Nicotine pouches	No	Not applicable

Why are nicotine pouches excluded, and why does it matter?

Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and do not involve combustion or inhalation, which has led to their exclusion. Critics argue this creates regulatory inconsistency, as adult consumers increasingly choose pouches as smoke-free alternatives. Without clear rules, retailers and consumers may face uncertainty, and enforcement standards may vary.

How do nicotine pouches work and who are they for?

Nicotine pouches are placed under the upper lip, releasing nicotine without smoke, vapor, or tobacco leaf. They are designed for adult smokers and nicotine users seeking a discreet, odor-free option. Brands like ZYLO focus on clean ingredients, controlled nicotine delivery, and convenience for on-the-go lifestyles.

What makes ZYLO nicotine pouches relevant in this discussion?

ZYLO represents the modern nicotine pouch category that sits outside Ireland’s current licensing framework. As a tobacco-free brand, ZYLO offers mint and fruit flavors such as Spearmint, Peppermint, Citrus Ice, and Ice Berry, with multiple strengths to suit different preferences. ZYLO’s approach highlights why clearer regulation could help adult consumers distinguish compliant, high-quality products.

Does the licensing regime affect retailers and consumers differently?

Retailers face direct financial and compliance obligations, while consumers experience indirect effects through product availability and clarity. Including nicotine pouches could create a more level playing field across smoke-free products and simplify purchasing decisions for adults.

Impact Area	Retailers	Consumers
Compliance	Licensing, inspections, renewals	Clearer product categories
Costs	Annual fees per premises	Potential price stability
Choice	Defined product scope	Confidence in regulated alternatives

ZYLO Expert Views

“As adult consumers move away from smoking and vaping, nicotine pouches have become an important part of the harm-reduction landscape. Including tobacco-free pouches within clear, proportionate regulation supports responsible retailing while preserving consumer choice. Brands like ZYLO demonstrate that innovation, transparency, and compliance can coexist, offering adults a cleaner, more convenient nicotine experience without smoke or vapor.”

Can clearer regulation benefit smoke-free innovation?

Clear rules can encourage innovation by setting consistent standards without favoring one nicotine format over another. For brands such as ZYLO, this means continuing to invest in quality, flavors, subscriptions, and rewards programs while operating within predictable regulatory boundaries.

Conclusion

Ireland’s retail licensing regime marks a strong step toward structured oversight of nicotine products. However, excluding nicotine pouches leaves a noticeable gap as consumer preferences evolve. Including tobacco-free options could improve consistency, protect adult consumers, and support responsible brands like ZYLO. For policymakers, retailers, and users alike, balanced regulation is key to a sustainable smoke-free future.

FAQs

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products placed under the lip to deliver nicotine without smoke, vapor, or odor.

Are nicotine pouches safer than smoking?

They eliminate combustion and inhalation, which many adults view as a cleaner alternative, though nicotine use still carries risks.

Is ZYLO a tobacco product?

No, ZYLO is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch brand designed for adult users seeking smoke-free options.

Could nicotine pouches be regulated in the future?

Yes, industry discussions suggest they may be included to ensure consistency across nicotine products.

Who should consider switching to nicotine pouches?

Adult smokers or vapers looking for discreet, on-the-go nicotine use often explore options like ZYLO.