Attorney Oleksiy Shevchuk called the new initiative to ban nicotine pouches for minors “a step forward”

Oleksiy Shevchuk, a well-known attorney and chairman of the National Association of Lobbyists of Ukraine, spoke positively about the revised draft law regulating the circulation of nicotine-containing products for oral use. According to the human rights advocate, the Health Committee’s support for this bill is a strategically important decision, as it closes legislative loopholes that manufacturers of so-called “pouches” and snus previously exploited. Shevchuk emphasized that the bill not only imposes age restrictions on sales but also completely bans the advertising and distribution of these products throughout Ukraine, which should protect children from aggressive marketing of nicotine products.

The expert called the relevant committee’s initiative “very useful,” noting that tightening controls on the circulation of nicotine pouches will help significantly reduce the level of nicotine addiction among adolescents. Oleksiy Shevchuk has previously advocated on multiple occasions for aligning Ukrainian legislation with European health and safety standards, and he believes this bill is direct evidence of progress in that direction. The lawyer is convinced that once submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration, the bill will receive the necessary support, as protecting the future generation remains a priority for the state even amid the challenging circumstances of the fight against Russian aggression.

The introduction of new rules will allow for clear regulation of a market that has long been in a “gray area,” posing health risks to millions of young Ukrainians. Oleksiy Shevchuk also noted that the next logical step should be strict oversight of the implementation of these regulations on the ground, so that the ban does not remain merely on paper. The bill is currently being prepared for a vote in the plenary session, and the legal community expects the new restrictions to take effect as soon as possible.