[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ILLICIT NICOTINE POUCHES FROM CHINA

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                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an increasingly 
alarming problem facing America's public health, which is the flow of 
unregulated illicit nicotine pouch products. These illicit products, 
most of which are coming from China, avoid FDA regulation, confusing 
adult consumers seeking safer alternatives and retailers, and muddying 
the waters for manufacturers that are following the rules.
  While enforcement action has largely focused on e-cigarettes, the 
Food and Drug Administration has paid little attention to illicit 
Chinese nicotine pouches and enforcing the rules--especially when the 
foreign manufacturer failed to apply for FDA authorization.
  Congress established the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products to 
regulate the tobacco and nicotine market. But the FDA has failed to 
determine which nicotine pouch products should remain available or be 
removed, making it difficult for retailers and consumers to know what 
to do.
  The FDA must follow the science. By doing so, the FDA will authorize 
nicotine pouch products that are appropriate for the protection of 
public health and stem the flow of illicit products coming in from 
China.

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