Health groups question sale of unregistered ZYN nicotine pouches

Coalition seeks DTI crackdown on unregulated sales and illegal festival promotions.

Health groups have filed complaints with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) questioning why unregulated nicotine products continue to be sold and promoted.

ZYN brand nicotine pouches have been touted as a healthier alternative to cigarettes due to the absence of tobacco and smoke. However, health experts warn that these products may still cause addiction and chronic disease.

Nicotine and tobacco products must be registered with the DTI in order to be sold legally in the country. However, ZYN has been sold in major local retailers since 2023 despite reportedly not being registered with the DTI.

The DTI has not commented on the matter. However, the agency released a document last April 8 containing initial guidelines on mandatory certification requirements for nicotine pouches. The agency also held a public consultation on the issue in March 2026.

Festival fallout–violating the vape law

The complainants have also sought action on illegal promotions of tobacco products that violate the vape law. ZYN, alongside vape company IQOS, was documented to have sponsored the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City last January. The law prohibits the promotion of vape and tobacco products at sports, concerts, cultural, or art events—especially where families and minors may be present.

Health experts have raised alarm over the rising number of minors using tobacco products due to the popularity of vapes. Many children are attracted to vaping due to flavors like bubblegum or cookies and cream. One in seven Filipino children aged 13 to 15—about 1.6 million adolescents—has reported using vapes, according to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

The complaints were filed by the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement, the Child Rights Network, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc., Action on Smoking and Health Philippines, Imagine Law, Parents Against Vape, Youth Against Vape, and HealthJustice.

 

 

Is your ‘tobacco-free’ alternative even legal? Health groups are taking ZYN to the DTI, questioning why unregistered nicotine pouches are hitting local shelves and sponsoring major festivals like Sinulog. 

 

 

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