Spanish Asociacion Bolsas Nicotina (ABN) established | Spain Vape

On December 3, 2025, the Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) was officially established in Madrid today. ABN by Spanish is Asociación bolsas nicotina

ABN(Asociación Española de Bolsas de Nicotina) is a newly established and registered industry organization in the EU Transparency Registry, bringing together manufacturers and distributors of oral, smoke-free nicotine products operating in Spain. The association aims to represent the industry, promote best practices, and promote the establishment of a regulated, safe, and responsible market environment.

Quick overview of the establishment of the Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) in Madrid

1. The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) has officially debuted in Madrid. The organization is also a member of the international network GINN (Global Institute for Novel Nicotine Research).
2. Due to its tobacco free, non combustible, and non inhalable nature, this emerging product in Spain has significant growth potential among adult nicotine consumers.
3. We hope to be a part of the solution. This means industry self-discipline, corporate responsibility, and a willingness to engage in full dialogue with regulatory authorities.

This is the first industry association to unite over 40 European manufacturers and distributors, with members including CLEW、Greatest、Denssi、Europouches、CAMO、Rush、Rebel、Mynt、Chemnovatic And companies such as Pouch Solutions.

Call for the development of evidence-based and proportionate regulatory frameworks

At the event, ABN President Mónica Andrade emphasized that Spain needs a regulatory framework that is consistent with the broader European context and appropriately proportionate.
Our message is very clear: regulation, not prohibition. Spain needs coherent regulation based on data rather than ideology to ensure that these products are only for adult use, while providing the legal certainty necessary for the industry to operate responsibly, “Andrade said.

An emerging industry that depends on future regulation and has economic potential

Nicotine pouches are a rapidly growing category in both Europe and the United States. Although still in its early stages in Spain, this category has significant growth potential in the coming years as an oral alternative to inhaled or combustion nicotine products, and is only available to adult nicotine consumers. Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, do not require burning or inhalation, can be used orally, and gradually release nicotine in a short period of time.
There is currently no specialized regulatory framework for nicotine pouches in Spain, and misinformation is widespread – which not only brings operational uncertainty to companies producing and selling these products, but also increases the risk of market instability.
In this context, the association expresses serious concern about the amendment to Royal Decree 579/2017 proposed by the Ministry of Health. The amendment proposes to limit the nicotine content per bag to 0.99 milligrams. According to the Ministry of Health’s own statement, this limit will constitute a “de facto ban” on nicotine pouches in Spain; In the vast majority of countries, the allowed nicotine content is much higher than this level.

Industry led self-discipline framework

At the launch event, ABN released its first set of industry voluntary standards, clarifying commitments in youth protection, product quality and safety, responsible packaging, environmental practices, and commercial communication only for adults.
We hope to actively become a part of the solution. This means industry self-discipline, corporate responsibility, and maintaining a fully open dialogue attitude with regulatory authorities, “Andrade emphasized.

Compared to nicotine pouches, Spain does not have a comprehensive ban on vaping, but has implemented strict restrictive measures, including a ban on the use of vapes in outdoor public places and a ban on the sale of disposable vapes. ‌
🚭 Main smoking ban areas
Prohibition of vape in Outdoor Public Places: The draft Anti Tobacco Law passed in September 2025 explicitly prohibits the use of vapes in outdoor areas such as bar/restaurant terraces, beaches, parks, sports stadiums, and campus surroundings, treating them equally with traditional tobacco. ‌‌
Prohibiting the sale of disposable vapes: The bill requires the cessation of the sale of disposable vape products to curb youth use. ‌‌
📜 Progress in policy implementation
The bill was approved by the Cabinet in September 2025 and is currently in the public consultation stage. It needs to be submitted to the parliament for review and approval before it can take effect. ‌‌
If ultimately implemented, Spain will become one of the strictest tobacco control countries in Europe.

Reference: Nace la Asociación Española de Bolsas de Nicotina (ABN) que agrupa a fabricantes y distribuidores de productos de nicotina oral sin combustión. – Unión de Asociaciones de Estanqueros de España