CCLC approved the standard set for nicotine pouches
ISLAMABAD: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) has begun localizing the production of its tobacco-free nicotine pouches, marketed as ZYN, at its manufacturing facility in Sahiwal as part of the company’s shift toward smoke-free product offerings in Pakistan.
A group of journalists recently visited the Sahiwal plant to review the company’s operations and manufacturing processes. According to PMPKL officials, the delegation was briefed on the company’s protocols for cigarette production and nicotine pouch secondary manufacturing, along with its safety and environmental compliance measures and ongoing initiatives related to water stewardship and workplace hygiene.
Company representatives shared details of the facility’s fire-prevention infrastructure, real-time environmental monitoring systems, and adherence to international health, safety, and environmental standards. Journalists were also shown the FBR Track & Trace system installed at the site for tax-compliance monitoring.
During the visit, officials outlined the progress made on the localization of nicotine pouches, a process initiated earlier this year. The delegation also observed the automated machinery—primarily sourced from Europe—used in cigarette production.
PMPKL noted that its parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI), has been investing in alternatives to combustible cigarettes for nearly two decades. Officials reiterated that such products are not risk-free and remain addictive but are presented by the company as reduced-harm options for adult smokers who would otherwise continue using cigarettes.
“The localization of ZYN is an important step in our transformation efforts,” said PMPKL’s Director Manufacturing, adding that quitting smoking remains the best choice for smokers, but alternatives are being developed for those who continue to use nicotine products.
It may be mentioned here that the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases has recently approved the standard set for nicotine pouches. The Pakistan Standard PS:5468 was first drafted and approved in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It prescribes ingredient disclosures, nicotine limits of up to 20 mg per pouch, labeling guidelines, and child-safety warnings. The standard aims to align local production with international benchmarks while reducing risks associated with unregulated nicotine pouches.
In October 2024, Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) formally requested converting the voluntary standard into a mandatory one, citing a $40 million local investment and warning that without enforcement, Pakistan risked becoming a dumping ground for substandard and illicit products.
Following this, the case was reviewed by the National Standards Committee, which in June 2025 formally recommended making the standard mandatory. PSQCA subsequently forwarded the draft Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), and it was vetted by the Law Ministry. A stakeholder consultative meeting, chaired by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology in August, brought together federal and provincial officials, industry representatives, and civil society. While there was broad technical support, objections from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) prevented consensus. Industry representatives argue that mandatory enforcement is essential not only to support exports but also to protect legitimate local manufacturers from being undercut by smuggled goods.
