Prevention alert: rise in counterfeit ZYN products in Washington

Submitted by CBelisle on

Recently, partners at Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) have been seeing a rise in Zyn products intended for the European market (not approved for distribution in the US), as well as counterfeit Zyn products.

Here’s what the prevention community should know:

  • “European ZYN” products have been located at numerous locations across the state. This includes a few distributors as well.
  • Phillip Morris International (PMI - the manufacturer) confirmed these products are for the European market only; PMI will be sending out notifications to the sellers.
  • Per FDA, the sale and distribution of these products is illegal.
  • These products generally contain higher amounts of nicotine, with 16+ mg compared to the US market of 3 and 6 mg.
  • Certain flavors are not manufactured by PMI or its subsidiary, Swedish Match, declaring them counterfeit products from other distributors.
  • In certain situations, LCB can seize these products since they fall under tobacco products for taxation and licensing.

Coalitions that are already implementing environmental scans or CANS assessments of retailers are encouraged to be mindful of these products when conducting reviews.

Below are photo examples of products to be mindful of:

A circular package of "ZYN" branded illegal nicotine to be looking out for. With large white bolded letters noting the brand name ZYN, and mentions of a European product on the label. This product is a combination of teal and purple colored hues with white letters. This product fits in your hand.
A circular package of "ZYN" branded illegal nicotine to be looking out for. With large white bolded letters noting the brand name ZYN, and mentions of a European product on the label. This product fits in your hand, is teal, with a purple label and white letters.

 

A circular package of "ZYN" branded illegal nicotine to be looking out for. With large white bolded letters noting the brand name ZYN, and mentions of a European product on the label. This product fits in your hand, the package is white, with a white label.
A circular package of "ZYN" branded illegal nicotine to be looking out for. With large white bolded letters noting the brand name ZYN, and mentions of a European product on the label. This product fits in your hand and is white with grey label and red lines.

A special thanks to Captain Raveica & Public Health Education Liaison Kristen Haley at LCB for sharing this information.