FDA Compliant Nicotine Packaging: What You Need to Know

Does the FDA require Child-Resistant packaging for nicotine pouches?

The FDA is pushing for certified Child-Resistant (CR) packaging for nicotine pouches, lozenges, and all formats–even though it’s not yet required.

• Quick Fact: Every single one of the 20 FDA-authorized nicotine pouch products uses certified Child-Resistant packaging. And that’s no coincidence.
• The FDA is signaling a clear direction: Child-Resistant nicotine packaging won’t be optional for long.

Is Child-Resistant nicotine packaging required by law?

Not technically. But it’s becoming a de facto standard.

If your nicotine pouches, lozenges, and gum aren’t sold in certified Child-Resistant packaging, they’re unlikely to get future FDA authorization.

Why is Child-Resistant nicotine packaging so important?

Because child exposures are rising fast. According to data from U.S. Poison Centers:

• Nicotine pouch exposures have steadily climbed from April 2022 to March 2025.
• 72% of cases involved kids under 5. For young children, exposure can be harmful and even deadly.

Bottom line: The FDA sees certified Child-Resistant packaging as a safety issue–and a public health priority.

Do I need Child-Resistant nicotine packaging?

Yes, because safety isn’t optional when kids are at risk.

A single accidental ingestion can lead to serious harm, and without certified CR packaging, your product could be the one in the headlines.

• One poisoning incident linked to your product could trigger PR fallout, regulatory scrutiny, or legal action.
• You could face retail rejection or delisting if your packaging isn’t CR-certified.
• Non-compliant packaging invites FDA enforcement or delays in product authorization.

Bottom line: Make the switch to Child-Resistant nicotine packaging not only to meet evolving compliance expectations, but also to protect kids, your customers, and your brand’s future.

What does compliant nicotine packaging actually require?

If you’re aiming to meet the FDA’s current expectations, here’s what your packaging needs to check off:

• Certified Child-Resistant: Packaging should be tested to ASTM D3475 and CPSC 16 CFR 1700 standards–no guesswork, just lab-backed compliance.
• Built to Block Kids: Requires two-step or coordinated actions that make it tough for little hands, but simple for adults.
• Designed for Daily Use: Keeps its Child-Resistant seal even after repeated opens—key for pouches, lozenges, or anything multi-dose.
• Nicotine-Safe Materials: Everything inside should be food safe and safe for oral-contact use.

Looking for CR packaging that’s nicotine-ready?

We’ve got you. Dymapak offers a full lineup of certified Child-Resistant solutions built for nicotine pouches, lozenges, and smoking cessation products.

• All of our CR formats, from Squeeze Tins™ to Secure Sack™ pouches, are certified to meet ASTM and CPSC child-resistance standards.
• They’re tested, trusted, and ready to help you meet Poison Prevention Packaging rules without skipping a beat.

All lab-tested. All retail-ready. All designed to keep kids safe and your brand moving forward.