Yes, Zyn nicotine pouches are legally prohibited in India as of 2024.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) classifies nicotine pouches as unapproved drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The 2023 amendment to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Act explicitly extends to nicotine pouches, treating them as non-smoking nicotine products. State-level enforcement agencies, including the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Maharashtra and Gujarat, have seized illegal imports, reinforcing the ban. The 2026 compliance framework under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) further tightens scrutiny on nicotine alternatives, leaving no legal pathway for Zyn’s sale or distribution.
Key Regulations for Zyn Nicotine Pouches in India
- Drug Classification: Nicotine pouches are deemed Schedule H drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, requiring prescription-based dispensation—unavailable for Zyn’s OTC format.
- Nicotine Prohibition: The 2023 amendment to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act bans all nicotine-containing pouches, irrespective of tobacco content, aligning with FCTC Article 16.
- State-Level Enforcement: Local FSDA units conduct periodic raids on e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart) and unregistered vendors, with penalties up to ₹50,000 and 3 years imprisonment under Section 26 of the Drugs Act.