Why are nicotine pouches considered illegal in India, and what specific violation did Adani's Mumbai airport shops commit?

Nicotine pouches are illegal in India because they remain unapproved and unregistered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, unlike nicotine patches or gums which underwent a formal registration process; India banned e-cigarettes and classifies nicotine pouches as a 'new and largely unregulated public health concern,' with government documents stating they 'fall under the definition of a drug' and require 'a valid registration certificate and import license'—which Adani's Mumbai airport duty-free shops lacked when selling imported pouches in the departure zone.

What is Adani's legal argument against the government's enforcement action, and how have judges responded so far?

Adani argues that its duty-free shops operate 'beyond the customs frontiers of India' and thus lie outside the regulatory reach of domestic laws like the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, claiming nicotine pouches are 'not a drug' but a 'recent innovation' not anticipated by existing tobacco control laws; in response, Mumbai High Court judges ruled on June 24 that 'no coercive action' should be taken against the existing stock of pouches and scheduled the case for hearing on July 14.

India Investigates Adani's Mumbai Airport Shops Over Illegal Nicotine Pouch Sales

Jul 7, 2026

Indian authorities found Adani's Mumbai airport duty-free shops selling unapproved nicotine pouches in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Adani contests the classification, seeking a court precedent on regulatory jurisdiction in duty-free zones.

reuters

2026-07-07

India Investigates Adani's Mumbai Airport Shops Over Illegal Nicotine Pouch Sales

India Investigates Adani's Mumbai Airport Shops Over Illegal Nicotine Pouch Sales

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