ITCAN asks Health Canada, Quebec government to crack down on illegal nicotine products
Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN) is joining other groups in demanding Health Canada and the Quebec government fulfill their responsibility to ensure consumer safety, regulatory compliance and preventing youth access in light of what it says are recent media reports on the availability of illegal nicotine products at retail and online outlets.
"This is a serious public health issue. These reports confirm what we have been telling the Government of Quebec for months: there is a severe lack of enforcement when it comes to illegal nicotine products, which is allowing the illicit market to thrive," says Eric Gagnon, vice-president, corporate and regulatory affairs at ITCAN. "It is crucial for the Quebec government and Health Canada to step up and enforce existing laws."
In April of 2023, the Quebec government announced it was modifying the province's anti-tobacco law to crack down on vaping, including by banning the sale of flavoured products, according to The Canadian Press.
READ: Imperial Tobacco Canada warns against proposed flavour regulations on vaping products
The new regulations would prevent the sale of vape products in flavours other than tobacco, cap the nicotine content to 20 milligrams per millilitre, and limit the size of capsules and refill containers. As well, the proposed modifications would also include restrictions on the sale of vaping products. Health Minister Christian Dubé said these changes were being done to protect Quebecers, especially young people.
Since the ban on flavoured vaping products last fall in Quebec, multiple media outlets have noted that some retailers are skirting the law, says ITCAN. ITCAN adds it has proactively engaged with the Quebec government on multiple occasions, presenting evidence of these issues.
Unfortunately, enforcement actions have yet to be strengthened, allowing the illegal market to persist, including reports of a nicotine pouch illicit market growing in the province.
"We want to assure the public and health professionals that ITCAN adheres strictly to all regulations concerning the marketing and sale of nicotine products. Unfortunately, however, this is not the case with all manufacturers and distributors," says Gagnon. "And they are all well aware that they can operate with impunity. No one is coming after them."
Zonnic is the only nicotine pouch in Canada authorized for sale as a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for adults.
"Any nicotine pouch other than Zonnic sold in any retail outlet is illegal. Full stop," adds. Gagnon. "ITCAN has put in place mandatory age verification and insisted that the product be only available behind the counter even if our license doesn't require it."
With files from The Canadian Press.
