Nicotine pouches, or snus, are a smokeless oral nicotine product, put between the lips and gums. 

• They resemble a small tea bag and are sold in small colourful tins of about 20 pouches.
• Some pouches, known as snus, contain tobacco and are more popular in overseas markets.
• While nicotine pouches in Australia don’t usually contain tobacco leaves, they do contain nicotine, which is made synthetically or derived from tobacco leaves.
• The strength of nicotine in these pouches can vary significantly between products.
   

With the introduction of regulation around vaping products, importation and advertising of nicotine pouches has increased. Nicotine pouches are marketed as an alternative to smoking and vaping. There is no strong evidence to suggest nicotine pouches support vaping or smoking cessation. 

• There is strong evidence to suggest nicotine is addictive and harmful to health. It may also have harmful effects on a developing adolescent brain.
• See Starting the conversation with your child for more information on raising concerns if you suspect your child is vaping, smoking or use other tobacco products.
• This helps provide guidance for parents and carers on how to approach the topic sensitively, offer support to a child and discuss where to find accurate health information.