No, Zyn nicotine pouches are prohibited in Belgium under the 2020 Royal Decree transposing EU Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) and the 2023 amendment banning non-tobacco nicotine products. The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) enforces this via Article 20 of the Tobacco Act, classifying nicotine pouches as “novel tobacco products” without market authorization. Cross-border sales or possession for personal use remain illegal, with customs seizures documented under the 2025 Belgian Customs Code.
Key Regulations for Zyn Nicotine Pouches in Belgium
- Ban on Novel Products: Article 20 of the Tobacco Act (2023) explicitly prohibits nicotine pouches not derived from tobacco leaf, aligning with EU guidance on “tobacco-related” products.
- FAMHP Enforcement: The agency actively monitors online sales and physical imports, issuing cease-and-desist orders to retailers under the 2024 Health Law amendments.
- Customs Penalties: Belgian Customs (Douane) seizes shipments under the 2025 Customs Code, imposing fines up to €10,000 for unauthorized imports, per Article 224.
Belgium’s stance contrasts with neighboring EU states like the Netherlands, where pouches are permitted under strict advertising bans. The 2026 EU Tobacco Products Directive revision may further restrict cross-border access, but current Belgian law offers no exemptions for Zyn or similar products.