2FIRSTS | Exclusive | China Starts Mandatory National Standards Process for Heated Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
China has initiated the process of establishing mandatory national standards for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, signaling regulatory progress but not imminent market entry.Summary
China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has begun drafting mandatory national standards for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, marking a significant step in the country’s regulatory framework for these emerging nicotine categories. This process, involving public consultation from April 7 to May 7, 2026, doesn’t guarantee immediate market access but is a typical precursor to product oversight. The standards development cycle is estimated at 22 months, mirroring the regulatory path taken with e-cigarettes – classification, standards formulation, and then potential product launch. For heated cigarettes, the standards will cover sticks, devices, and combined products, addressing safety and technical requirements. Nicotine pouches, recently clarified within China’s regulations, will have standards focused on quality, safety, and hygiene. While China Tobacco has already launched these products internationally, the standards process indicates a move towards a more structured and enforceable regulatory framework domestically, but further steps are needed before a potential launch.
(Source：2Firsts)
