SAFETY / COMPLIANCE ALERT
UK Trading Standards testing found nicotine in some vapes sold as nicotine-free. A 0% or nicotine-free label should not be treated as proof of contents.

PRODUCT WATCH
Official explanatory notes identify gels, creams, cheek absorption and nasal inhalers as plausible future consumer nicotine delivery routes. This is a foresight signal, not evidence that these products are established in Wales.

PRODUCT WATCH
Nicotine-free caffeine pouches are being sold in the UK in the same under-the-lip format as nicotine pouches, including products containing high doses of caffeine.

SAFETY ALERT
Cannabinoid vapes may be labelled with names such as HHC, HHC-P, THC-P or THC-O, but UK testing shows that labels and claimed contents cannot be relied on.

MARKET SIGNAL
Consumer nicotine chewing gum that is not licensed as stop-smoking medicine is now part of the UK nicotine market. It should not be confused with medicinal nicotine replacement therapy.

MARKET SIGNAL
A new fully dissolvable oral nicotine tablet format is now being sold in the UK. It sits between the lip and gum and dissolves during use.

RESEARCH / EVIDENCE SIGNAL
Nicotine analogues including 6-methyl nicotine are appearing in international vape and oral products, while toxicology evidence is still developing.

MARKET / EVIDENCE SIGNAL
GB youth data show some experimentation with nicotine pouches, while Welsh adult data show higher awareness and current use among 18–24-year-olds.

MARKET / POLICY SIGNAL
UK Government guidance names nicotine strips and pearls as nicotine products in scope of new rules from 29 October 2026.

MARKET SIGNAL
Nicotine-infused toothpicks are being sold by UK-facing retailers. Availability does not tell us how common use is among young people in Wales.

PRODUCT WATCH
UK Government consultation material describes vapes with digital screens, games and designs that imitate other objects, including highlighter pens, refillable water bottles and game devices.