Our Testing
The laboratory reports published on NicoLeaks are assessments of nicotine pouch products made available to consumers. All tests are performed by the accredited and independent laboratory Eurofins in Sweden. The tests measure a comprehensive set of 23 parameters, including listed and non-listed ingredients that nicotine pouches may contain. The list of tested substances was selected to ensure that specific standards are followed and to provide a better understanding of the content of each product. Below you can find an explanation of how products have been colour marked. Products are tested as they enter the market, and the test results are continuously updated here on NicoLeaks.
How tested products are marked and what it means
After a product has been tested, the laboratory reports are published with a symbol and colour marking for both the nicotine level and pH value. The symbol and colour are based on the product standard Haypp Group follows and encourages all suppliers to follow.
If a product is marked with a green shield with a checkmark, the value listed is within the recommended limit for either nicotine per pouch or the pH value.
If a product is marked with a yellow triangle with an exclamation point, the value is slightly higher than the recommended level. However, it is either within the error margin of the laboratory testing or moderately more elevated than the recommended level. A somewhat higher value on a product results in a probational period to find a way to come within the recommended levels.
If a product is marked with a red triangle with an X, the value is higher than the recommended levels or other results in the laboratory report have led to the conclusion that the product is not considered reliable and should not be available for consumers.
Standards and recommended levels
The standards that Haypp Group supports and adheres to are designed to promote sustainable product development and responsible market growth within the oral nicotine category.
The Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS)—the Swedish standardisation body and member of both CEN and ISO—has issued a technical specification for nicotine-containing, tobacco-free oral products, SIS/TS 72:2024.
In conjunction with Haypp Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct and corresponding Marketing and Product Standards, this specification provides guidelines and recommendations intended to advance best practices across the industry. Furthermore, Haypp Group’s recommendations are informed by evidence from the scientific literature to ensure alignment with current research and responsible business conduct.
At no point does Haypp Group permit consumers to be exposed to products that do not meet our reliability and safety standards.
Recommended nicotine level
> The maximum recommended total amount of nicotine per consumable (i.e., per pouch), shall be 20 mg of nicotine (SIS/TS 72:2024).
The value of 20 mg per pouch is a firm limit. A value at or below the limit shall be marked green. If a product has a higher amount of nicotine, the product shall be marked red and not sold through Haypp Group’s channels.
Recommended pH value
Because nicotine pouches are held in the mouth for extended periods, an appropriate pH is essential to protect teeth and gums from erosion, irritation, and other oral health risks.
> The maximum pH value of the consumable shall be 9.1 unless a risk assessment of the final product is made which supports the pH used.
> The minimum pH value of the consumable shall be 5.6, as the critical pH of dental enamel is approximately 5.5.
The pH range between 6.1 and 9.1 shall be marked green.
A product is marked yellow if the testing indicates a pH value 1) >5.6 to 6.0 or 2) >9.1 to 10.0. In such cases, the product supplier is granted a probationary period to adjust the pH value. During this period, Haypp Group works closely with the supplier to address and rectify any product deficiencies.
If the pH value is less than 5.6 or exceeds 10.0, the product shall be marked red and not sold through Haypp Group's channels.
Why test products?
Many countries lack regulation for newer types of nicotine products, especially the rapidly growing segment of oral nicotine products called nicotine pouches. Traditional oral nicotine products, such as chewing tobacco and Swedish snus, have national and EU regulations in place. However, such laws and regulations do not cover nicotine-containing, tobacco-free oral products; this is one reasons why the products are tested.
Various assumptions and preconceived notions also affect the conversation about nicotine pouches. The open compilation of laboratory reports available on NicoLeaks provides a solid foundation for factual and concrete discussions. This is another reason why the products are tested.
Share the knowledge
Haypp Group wants to be able to increase the transparency as well as knowledge around nicotine pouches. Therefore, all reports are shared openly so that also, e.g., authorities and health activists can gain access to the results. Through increased transparency and enhanced collaboration, we believe in sustainable category growth, giving consumers reliable choices.
Eurofins Laboratory in Lidköping
The independent Eurofins laboratory performs the tests and is part of a group with over 800 laboratories worldwide. The facility in Lidköping, Sweden, is an expert centre for testing oral nicotine products.
Apart from nicotine and pH values, the products are tested for a broad range of parameters, including listed ingredients and foreign substances. This includes tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, Benzo(a)pyrene, Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni).
By testing the products available to consumers, Haypp Group ensures that the nicotine pouches marketed and sold through our channels meet the high standards expected from a trusted manufacturer. Furthermore, when products are distributed via other retailers—both online and in physical stores—our laboratory reports provide an opportunity for those retailers to educate themselves and their customers.
