Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in Peru? (Yes, 18+, Ad Limits)

By PouchGuide Editorial Team · Published October 19, 2026

Yes, nicotine pouches are legal in Peru for adults 18 and over. Law No. 32159, published on November 12, 2024, replaced Peru’s old tobacco law (Law No. 28705). It regulates “nicotine products,” defined to include “any other form of nicotine delivery” without a therapeutic purpose, which covers tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Pouches can’t be sold to minors, their advertising is restricted and their packs will need a text health warning. Peru has no ban on online sales and no nicotine cap.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check official sources before you buy or travel.

How does Peruvian law classify nicotine pouches?

Article 5 of Law No. 32159 defines a “nicotine product” as:

“a product that contains nicotine, manufactured for human use. It includes electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and any other form of nicotine delivery, created or yet to be created, that does not have a therapeutic purpose.”

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches fall under this definition. Pouches that contain tobacco would count as “tobacco products,” which face stricter rules.

What rules apply to nicotine pouches in Peru?

• 18+ only: Article 14 bans selling tobacco, nicotine products and substitutes to minors and by minors. Promotional items, samples and gifts can’t be given to minors either.
• Vending machines: these are allowed only in places where access is limited to adults over 18.
• Advertising limits: Article 9 bans advertising, promotion and sponsorship of nicotine products on free-to-air TV and radio, in health and education facilities, in public offices and within 500 meters of schools. Ads aimed at minors are banned. All other ads must carry the warning “Sale to minors under 18 prohibited. This product contains nicotine,” taking up 15% of the ad.
• Warning labels: Article 11 requires packs of nicotine products to carry a text warning about nicotine covering at least 30% of each main face, plus “PROHIBIDA SU VENTA A MENORES DE 18 AÑOS.” Industry has two years from the issuing of the law’s regulation to adapt packaging.
• Flavor names: flavored products may not use names of candies or desserts that appeal to minors.
• Disclosure: makers and importers must report the composition of their products to DIGESA, the Ministry of Health’s environmental health agency.

Tobacco products face a total advertising ban and 70% graphic warnings. Nicotine products like pouches face the lighter rules above.

Is the law fully in force?

The core bans, such as the ban on sales to minors, apply under the law itself. Some details depend on a regulation (reglamento) that the Ministry of Health had to issue. The packaging deadline and the 180-day deadline for advertisers both run from the date that regulation is issued. As of October 2026 we have not found a final regulation, so some rules may not yet be enforced in practice.

Can you use nicotine pouches in public in Peru?

Generally, yes. Article 6 bans smoking and vaping in health and education facilities, public offices, workplaces, enclosed public spaces and public transport. Pouches are neither smoked nor vaped, so the law doesn’t cover them.

Can you buy nicotine pouches online in Peru?

Yes. Law No. 32159 doesn’t ban online sales of nicotine products, but sellers may not sell to minors.

Can travelers bring nicotine pouches into Peru?

Yes. A reasonable amount for personal use is fine, and you can buy pouches locally if you’re 18 or over. See our travel guide.

How Peru compares

Peru is fairly permissive by Latin American standards. Neighboring Colombia also allows pouches for adults. Chile is a gray area, and Brazil bans them. Panama goes further than Peru, with a total advertising ban, graphic warnings and a ban on using pouches in smoke-free places.

Bottom line

Nicotine pouches are legal in Peru for adults 18 and over. They’re regulated as “nicotine products,” with advertising limits and warning labels, but you can still buy them online. See our legal status overview for other countries.