The ban on nicotine pouches, a new type of smoke-free product, has sparked heated debates in parliament. The Ministry of Health insists on banning them in Moldova because their impact on health is still unclear. However, some lawmakers and experts argue that banning a product available in neighboring countries could lead to increased smuggling and illegal consumption, reports mold-street.com.
Nicotine pouches are already available in more than 80% of European Union countries, including Romania and Ukraine. Therefore, the proposal by the Ministry of Health to ban these products in Moldova could negatively affect the domestic market.
“As long as this product is not banned in neighboring countries, Moldova risks facing smuggling. If we impose stricter restrictions than those outlined in the EU Directive, it will lead to an influx of illegal products, which will be sold illegally,” said PAS deputy Lilian Carp. “Our main goal is to find ways to protect the consumer and avoid illegal trade.”
The deputy added that about 30% of tobacco products in Moldova reach the market through smuggling. “Prohibited products are sold online, and the state is not intervening,” said Carp.
Economic expert Vjačeslav Ioniță emphasized that when adopting new laws, it is important to have tools to ensure their enforcement. “If we introduce new regulations that do not exist in neighboring countries and we cannot control them, this will only promote smuggling,” said Ioniță.
According to him, illegal trade in Moldova is on the rise, and losses to the state budget amount to around 650 million lei. Additionally, illegal trade contributes to the sale of products to minors.
Maxim Barabaș, director of Philip Morris Ukraine and Moldova, stated that nicotine pouches can already be ordered in Moldova through online platforms. The products are delivered from abroad, and health warnings on the packaging are written in foreign languages.
Lawmakers believe that, to combat harmful habits, government programs and public education are necessary. “It is necessary to educate the population about the consequences of these habits; otherwise, bans will not help,” said Lilian Carp.
Vladimir Odnostalco, vice-chairman of the Commission for Social Protection, Health, and Family, added: “Before banning anything, we need to consult experts.”
The bill proposed by the Ministry of Health will be discussed in parliamentary committee meetings and then presented for debate in the plenary session of parliament.
