Ireland has a comprehensive and evolving approach to taxing and regulating tobacco and nicotine products. As the popularity of alternatives like nicotine pouches and vapes grows, understanding these regulations is crucial for consumers seeking smokeless options like snus, nicotine pouches (also known as nicopods), and other tobacco alternatives.
As part of its public health strategy, Ireland has consistently increased excise duties on tobacco products to discourage smoking. In October 2024, the government raised the excise duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes by €1, pushing the price of many popular brands above €18. This measure is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing smoking rates by making tobacco products less affordable(Tobacco Journal)(Revenue.ie).
Reflecting the Irish government’s proactive stance on nicotine regulation, an excise tax on e-cigarettes is set to be introduced in mid-2025. The proposed tax of €0.50 per ml of e-liquid is designed to reduce vaping among young people and generate revenue. This aligns with broader EU policies regulating smokeless tobacco products and vapes to minimize health risks.
Ireland is also considering a ban on disposable vapes due to environmental concerns and the increasing popularity of these products among youth. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to tightening controls around vaping and reducing its appeal(Irish Heart).
Nicotine pouches, often called nicopods, are gaining popularity in Ireland as a tobacco-free and discreet way to consume nicotine. Unlike snus— a tobacco-containing product banned in Ireland and across the EU except in Sweden—nicotine pouches remain legal and untaxed in Ireland due to their tobacco-free nature. They fall outside the traditional tax categories used for tobacco products, making them an accessible and flexible option for those seeking alternatives to smoking or vaping(Irish Heart).
However, as nicotine pouches become more widespread, there is potential for future regulations to impose specific taxes on these products, much like the planned tax on e-cigarettes. Consumers interested in these alternatives should stay informed about any changes in taxation policies, as Ireland may follow the trend of regulating nicotine consumption more strictly(Revenue.ie).
As Ireland continues to adapt its regulations in line with public health goals, understanding the tax landscape for products like snus, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes is essential. While snus remains banned under EU regulations, nicotine pouches present an untaxed, legal alternative for Irish consumers. For those exploring smokeless options such as nicopods, it’s crucial to stay updated on potential policy changes that could affect their availability and pricing.
By choosing nicotine pouches, consumers in Ireland currently benefit from a tobacco-free, regulated product with no excise duty—a compelling option for those seeking alternatives in a market with increasingly stringent controls on nicotine products.
