Nicotine Pouch Included Under the Definition of “Tobacco Products”
Sushanta k singha: Dhaka, 24 December 2025:
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Every year, more than 130,000 people in Bangladesh die prematurely due to tobacco-related illnesses.
With the objective of effectively controlling smoking and the use of tobacco products in the country, and further strengthening the existing Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, proposed by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has been approved today at a meeting of the Advisory Council.
For the issuance of the ordinance, vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division will be obtained immediately.
The proposed ban on the use, production, and marketing of emerging tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), and similar products.
Inclusion of nicotine pouches under the definition of “tobacco products.”
Prohibition of the use of all forms of tobacco products, in addition to smoking, in public places and public transport. At the same time, the provision for Designated Smoking Areas (DSA) has been made subject to government directives.
Expansion of the definitions and scope of “public place” and “public transport.”
A complete ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and publicity through any medium, including point-of-sale display, internet-based platforms, or any other means.
Introduction of a provision requiring health warnings to cover 75 percent of tobacco product packaging, replacing the existing requirement of 50 percent. Source : https://www.publichealth24.com/advisory-council-finally-approves-amendment-to-tobacco-control-ordinance/
