Altria Raises Alarm Over Surge in Illegal Nicotine Products

Altria has reported to the U.S. FDA about a surge in illegal nicotine pouches, likening it to the early stages of the black market for vapes. Illegal nicotine products, including e-cigarettes from China, are rising in the U.S., prompting calls for decisive FDA action.

Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, revealed on Wednesday that it had submitted data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the growing issue of illegal nicotine pouches. The company compared this situation to the early stages of the black market for vapes in the country.

Tobacco giants like Altria and British American Tobacco have witnessed significant U.S. sales losses to unauthorized e-cigarettes, including illegal disposable vapes imported from China. Altria stated that illegal activity is being facilitated across multiple nicotine products through the existing supply chains, with over 350 unique illegal nicotine pouches identified so far.

Altria's CEO, William Gifford, emphasized the need for the FDA to take decisive action to regain control of the oral nicotine pouch category and prevent an extensive illicit market. The FDA has yet to comment on the issue. Additionally, Gifford noted that illicit cigarettes are on the rise, with a significant portion originating from duty-free channels or China.

(With inputs from agencies.)