Imperial Lithuania v. Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control

NGP Imperial Lithuania (“Company”) was fined by the Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control (“Department”) for marketing "Killa ColdMint EXTRA STRONG NICOPODS" (nicotine pouches) as cessation products in violation of Lithuanian law. The Company challenged the fine in the Court of First Instance, arguing that nicotine pouches are neither tobacco products nor imitation tobacco products, but rather substitutes and are regulated as such in other countries. The Court of First Instance rejected the claim, affirming the Department’s actions as lawful.

On appeal, the Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania upheld the lower court’s decision. It emphasized that public health is a fundamental value and found that the nicotine pouches were toxic, not approved as cessation aids, and the products and their packaging imitated snus, a banned product in the European Union (except Sweden). The court concluded that the product could mislead consumers and thus fell within the scope of the tobacco control law’s prohibition on products that imitate tobacco products or their packaging.

Imperial Lithuania v. Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, Ruling of April 7, 2021, Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania

  • Lithuania
  • Apr 7, 2021
  • Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania

Parties

Plaintiff / Petitioner / Applicant / Appellant

  • N.G.P. Imperial Lithuania

Defendant / Respondent / Appellee

  • Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control

Legislation Cited

Law No. I-1143 on Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Associated Products (as amended)

Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Design

Law on the Supervision of Toxic Substances in the Republic of Lithuania

Law on Administrative Proceedings of the Republic of Lithuania

Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Prohibition of Unfair Commercial Practices for Consumers

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product