Read articles from Portugal

October 31, 2026 by vapingpost.com

Ireland has circulated two new compromise texts on EU excise duties after an earlier proposal was withdrawn and rejected by the European Parliament. A vote was postponed until November 9 to allow Sweden, a leading opponent of higher taxes on nicotine pouches, to form a government. Several other member states also have reservations about the proposed rates and their effects.

Sweden’s continuing political deadlock may prevent agreement before Lithuania assumes the EU Council presidency in January 2027. Lithuania has banned most e-cigarette flavours and sharply increased e-liquid taxes, raising concerns among vapers. However, neither tobacco taxation nor vaping is among its declared priorities, so the proposals could remain stalled.

October 23, 2026 by substack.com

Two recently published scientific papers have raised concerns about how nicotine dependence and smoking-related health risks are presented in medical research.

Cliff Douglas highlights a recurring problem: nicotine concentration is often treated as an indicator of harm, despite substantial differences in toxic exposure between cigarettes and smoke-free products.

The distinction is particularly important for smoking cessation, as effective nicotine delivery can help adults replace cigarettes without continued exposure to combustion. Greater scientific precision is essential to understanding relative risk and supporting evidence-based tobacco harm reduction.

September 11, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

At GTNF 2026 in Lisbon, Chris Greer, senior vice president for regulatory and external affairs at Stryk Brands, moderated a panel examining how companies can navigate an increasingly fragmented global trade environment. “Surviving in a Global Trade System” focused on cross-border challenges involving taxes, tariffs, regulation, movement of goods and services, and labor, with panelists arguing that increasingly localized requirements are creating high costs and complexity for businesses.

May 21, 2026 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Regulatory pressure on safer nicotine products continues to intensify across multiple countries despite growing evidence supporting tobacco harm reduction approaches. Critics argue that increasingly restrictive policies toward vaping, nicotine pouches, and other non-combustible products risk reinforcing cigarette smoking by limiting access to lower-risk alternatives. Public health researchers and harm reduction advocates continue to emphasize the importance of proportional regulation based on relative risk rather than treating all nicotine products as equally harmful. The debate reflects broader international tensions between precautionary policymaking, smoking cessation goals, and evidence-based approaches to reducing tobacco-related disease and mortality.

May 12, 2026 by consideratepouchers.org

Portugal is preparing to introduce stricter regulations on nicotine pouches, adding to the growing wave of tighter nicotine controls across Europe. Proposed measures would include new restrictions on packaging, sales and product standards, with supporters arguing they are necessary to protect young people and strengthen oversight. Critics, however, warn that excessive regulation could make smoke-free alternatives less accessible to adult smokers seeking lower-risk options. The debate also reflects wider concerns about regulatory fragmentation within the EU, where countries continue to adopt very different approaches to nicotine products. At the centre of the discussion is whether increasingly restrictive policies support public health goals or risk undermining harm reduction efforts.

March 16, 2026 by theportugalnews.com

The Portuguese government has approved the sale of nicotine pouches, which differ from snus as they do not contain tobacco. Tabaqueira eagerly awaited this decision, as they had requested authorization to market these products. Nicotine pouches, originally from Sweden, are legal in most EU countries. The sale of these pouches will be subject to a special consumption tax. The official launch date in Portugal is not yet announced, but some shops already have them available.

September 23, 2025 by gfn.tv

Portugal is celebrated for its progressive drug policy, yet tobacco harm reduction remains sidelined. At GFN 2025 in Warsaw, Adriana Curado of GAT in Lisbon shows how nicotine became “the forgotten substance.” From her own move away from smoking to a pioneering vaping project with people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness, Curado exposes public health contradictions, the persistence of stigma, and why safer nicotine options matter—especially for marginalized groups.

August 07, 2025 by ginn.global

As the European Commission pushes forward on its most ambitious tobacco tax reform in over a decade, Portugal has stepped up as a strong opponent to key elements of the proposal. The sweeping reform, designed to align with the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and introduce minimum tax levels on novel nicotine products like vapes and pouches, has drawn praise from public health advocates. But it also faces mounting criticism from countries that warn of unintended consequences. At the forefront of this resistance is Portugal, which argues that the proposed tax increases could undercut public health goals, harm national budgets, and fuel illicit trade.

December 23, 2024 by theportugalnews.com

Portugal's tobacco laws now treat electronic cigarettes like traditional tobacco, affecting consumers' choices and businesses. The changes have led to a rise in the popularity of nicotine pouches as tobacco-free options. The legislation aims to regulate all nicotine products, restrict their use in public places, and prevent underage consumption. Retailers and manufacturers must adjust marketing and sales strategies due to similar restrictions applied to electronic cigarettes and traditional tobacco. Consumers are urged to explore smoke-free alternatives like nicotine pouches that comply with the new regulations, emphasizing health and convenience. The global trend towards tobacco-free alternatives reflects a growing concern for health and wellness, with nicotine pouches offering a discreet and customizable option for users.

September 09, 2024 by filtermag.org

Harm reductionist Adriana Curado initiated vaping groups in Lisbon to assist marginalized individuals with smoking. Participants received support and products to reduce tobacco harm, with nearly all reducing tobacco use and some quitting. The project highlighted the importance of inclusive harm reduction strategies for tobacco and the participants' desire to improve their health. Curado emphasizes the need for access to safer nicotine products, data collection on affected populations, recognition of tobacco harm reduction in public health, and integration of nicotine in harm reduction strategies. The success of the vaping groups demonstrates the effectiveness of consumer-driven approaches in public health.