Legislation that would make it illegal to sell nicotine pouches to anyone under 18 on the island is due to receive Royal Assent in November, Manx Radio has reported.
According to the broadcaster, the Nicotine Products Bill 2026 was rushed through at the end of the previous administration. Its purpose is to close what Manx Radio described as a ‘loophole’ that left retailers free to sell the products to children.
Royal Assent is the Crown’s formal approval of a bill, and the final step before it becomes law.
News of the bill’s expected progress comes as schools raise concerns. Manx Radio said two of the island’s schools had written to parents this month about a rise in the number of pupils using the pouches, which are regarded as highly addictive.
The products are small sachets that users tuck under the upper lip, where nicotine is absorbed into the body, the broadcaster reported.
Dr Ross Keat, a consultant at Public Health Isle of Man, told Manx Radio that Public Health expected the bill to be progressed very soon.
No date has yet been given for when the ban would come into force once assent is granted.
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