Washington, D.C. – Tobacco company Philip Morris International is suspending online sales on Zyn.com following revelations that its affiliate may have illegally sold products in the nation’s capital. This decision comes in response to a subpoena issued to Swedish Match North America, the affiliate responsible for the nicotine pouch brand Zyn, by the Washington, D.C. Attorney General.
Swedish Match North America is under investigation to determine if Zyn sales comply with a 2022 ban on flavored tobacco and flavored synthetic nicotine in Washington, D.C. The district’s Attorney General has focused on whether these sales violate local laws, prompting Philip Morris to take immediate action.
Background on Zyn and Its Products
Zyn pouches are small, nicotine-filled pouches intended for placement between the gums and upper lip. Unlike traditional tobacco products, Zyn pouches do not contain tobacco. They also differ from snus, another oral nicotine product, as they use nicotine powder instead of shredded tobacco leaf. This distinction has made Zyn a popular alternative for those seeking smokeless nicotine options.
Immediate Action and Company Response
Philip Morris announced the suspension of online sales on Zyn.com as a preliminary measure while they review their sales and supply chain arrangements. This decision follows a preliminary investigation which indicated that flavored nicotine pouches may have been sold in Washington, D.C., primarily through online sales and independent sellers.
“In the event of an unfavorable outcome related to this matter, a material liability is reasonably possible though not estimable at this time,” the company stated. The halting of online sales aims to address potential non-compliance and mitigate legal risks.
Impact on Zyn Product Availability
Despite the suspension of online sales, Zyn products will remain available through other channels. The company emphasized that online sales have constituted only a small percentage of nationwide Zyn volumes since Philip Morris acquired the brand. Thus, the pause on Zyn.com sales is not expected to significantly impact the overall availability of the product.
Regulatory and Legal Context
Zyn products have been the subject of controversy for several months. In January, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for regulators to investigate nicotine pouches like Zyn, citing their appeal to teenagers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also expressed concerns about underage use of nicotine products. According to the FDA, approximately 1.5 percent of high school and middle school students reported using nicotine pouches last year, a figure significantly lower than the 10 percent of students who reported using e-cigarettes.
Future Outlook
As Philip Morris navigates this legal scrutiny, the company is likely to continue its thorough review of sales practices and ensure compliance with local regulations. The outcomes of these investigations and subsequent actions will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and regulators alike.
The suspension of online sales on Zyn.com serves as a reminder of the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by tobacco and nicotine product manufacturers, particularly in an evolving legal landscape focused on public health and underage use prevention.
Conclusion
Philip Morris International’s decision to suspend online sales of Zyn nicotine pouches underscores the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and responsible sales practices. As the investigation by the Washington, D.C. Attorney General unfolds, the industry will be watching closely to see how this major player in the nicotine market addresses these challenges and adapts to new regulatory realities.
