Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local THR Advocate Says

Argentina's Ministry of Health approved Resolution 549/2026 on April 30, 2026, establishing a new regulatory framework for "new-generation tobacco and nicotine products." This resolution marks a shift from a prohibition-based approach toward registration, traceability, and health surveillance. According to Juan Facundo Teme, a representative of RARDT (Argentine Network for Tobacco Harm Reduction), the publication of the new framework generated an initial wave of "joy and restrained euphoria" among adult consumers and the commercial sector. However, stakeholders have raised concerns over flavor restrictions, registration costs, and market access. Vaping liquids and heated tobacco sticks are limited to tobacco flavor, while nicotine pouches may be sold only in tobacco or menthol flavor. The registration fee is tied to the final consumer price of 2,000 packs of the highest-priced 20-cigarette pack sold in Argentina, and applicants must provide extensive technical documentation. Teme warned that high entry barriers could push sales back into informal channels or concentrate the formal market among larger international players. Public health organizations and traditional anti-tobacco voices have also responded quickly and strongly, requesting the suspension of the regulation. Teme said the new framework has "historic potential" to move existing informal sales into regulated channels, but only if implementation is flexible and authorities address the most rigid parts of the system.

(Source：2Firsts)