Anyone in Switzerland looking for alternatives to cigarettes or classic chewing tobacco will sooner or later come across nicotine pouches. These smoke-free, spit-free products are growing in popularity here too, but anyone looking for them in local shops is often disappointed. The range in Swiss supermarkets and kiosks remains limited, while German online shops such as Siberia.de carry a much larger selection.
This guide is aimed at beginners who want to know what nicotine pouches actually are, how they differ from snus and chewing tobacco, and which brands and strengths suit their own needs. We also explain what needs to be considered legally when importing from Germany into Switzerland, and take you step by step through the ordering process at Siberia.de.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to obtain products from the brands Siberia, Pablo, ICEBERG and W1NNAS safely and in compliance with the rules. A solid overview for anyone looking for an informed start.
What are nicotine pouches and how do they differ from snus and chewing tobacco?
Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free portion pouches made of cellulose fibers. They contain nicotine salts, flavorings and humectants such as glycol. No tobacco. No smoke. No odor.
This clearly sets them apart from two related products: snus contains real tobacco leaves and is largely banned in the EU; chewing tobacco also contains tobacco and is actively chewed in the mouth. Nicotine pouches belong to neither category. Anyone who wants to learn more about the direct difference between these product categories will find a well-founded overview in State of research: chewing tobacco/snus vs. cigarettes.
Use in three steps
Handling is simple: slide the pouch under the upper lip, leave it to rest there, and dispose of it after 20 to 60 minutes. The nicotine is absorbed passively through the oral mucosa, without chewing, without inhaling.
Nicotine content and strength
According to the BfR, nicotine contents range from about 2 mg to over 47 mg per pouch. Products commonly sold range between 4 mg and over 50 mg, which offers a suitable option for beginners and experienced users alike. A structured explanation of what the strength ratings actually mean is provided in the article Snus for beginners: which strength is right for me?
Why Swiss consumers hardly know the product
Nicotine pouches are hardly available in brick-and-mortar retail in Switzerland. Anyone wanting to explore the range therefore quickly comes across German online shops such as Siberia.de, which deliver a wide selection of brands and strengths directly to Switzerland.
Nicotine pouch brands at a glance: Siberia, Pablo, ICEBERG and W1NNAS
Siberia.de carries four brands with clearly different profiles. The following overview will help you find the right product before you place your order.
Siberia
Siberia nicotine pouches are produced in Sweden and are considered one of the strongest options on the market. Individual variants deliver up to 43 mg of nicotine per pouch, combined with an intense menthol cooling. This brand is aimed exclusively at experienced users with proven tolerance. Anyone just starting out should choose other variants first, as the article Siberia, Pablo and Iceberg: not for beginners from Siberia.de explains.
Pablo
Pablo nicotine pouches are also positioned in the upper strength range and are characterized by pronounced mint and menthol flavors. The compact format makes them discreet in everyday life, for example at work or on the go. Pablo, too, belongs in the category of pouches for advanced consumers.
ICEBERG
ICEBERG offers the widest strength spectrum of all four brands, from medium to very high nicotine contents. The clear focus on menthol and mint flavors in various intensity levels makes ICEBERG particularly accessible for beginners who prefer fresh flavor profiles.
W1NNAS
W1NNAS positions itself as a so-called performance pouch, i.e. a pouch geared towards concentration and focus. The modern branding deliberately appeals to a younger target group. A wider selection of these and other brands can be found in the category Pablo, Velo, Killa and other top brands at Siberia.de.
Classifying strengths correctly
On the product pages of Siberia.de, the nicotine content is clearly stated in mg per pouch. Beginners are best off starting with variants between 6 and 10 mg in order to gradually determine their personal tolerance before considering stronger products.
Which strength is right for me? A brief orientation guide
Now that the four brands have been introduced, many buyers face the same question: which nicotine content is the right place to start?
The following overview is based on standard industry strength categories and is intended to make the choice easier; however, it does not replace individual medical advice, as nicotine tolerance varies from person to person.
Light: 4-8 mg
This category is suitable for complete beginners and people who consume nicotine only occasionally. Anyone with sensitive oral mucosa or who has not yet used any nicotine products is best off here. The effect is noticeable but gentle.
Medium: 8-16 mg
People switching from cigarettes and experienced occasional consumers will find a clearly perceptible nicotine effect in this range without overdoing it. ICEBERG offers several variants with fresh menthol flavors in this category.
Strong: 16-30 mg
This range is aimed at regular users with a demonstrably higher nicotine tolerance. Siberia and Pablo cover it with several product variants. Anyone still unsure whether their own tolerance is sufficient should read the article Siberia, Pablo and Iceberg: not for beginners before ordering in this segment.
Extra strong: over 30 mg
Products such as the Siberia -80 Degrees line fall into this segment and are intended exclusively for very experienced consumers whose tolerance is clearly established. Beginners should consistently avoid this range.
Practical recommendation: The product filters on Siberia.de let you select a strength directly with a click. Swiss buyers without prior knowledge can thus filter by category in a targeted way, without having to check each product individually.
Legal situation and customs in Switzerland: what buyers need to know
Once the right strength has been found, the next practical question for Swiss buyers is: can you actually order from Germany without any problems?
Legal basis: Nicotine pouches are legal to buy and to use in Switzerland. However, they do not fall into any clearly defined product category of Swiss food or tobacco law, which places them in a regulatory gray area. There is no explicit ban on sale or import. Anyone who wants to learn more about similar classification questions for related products will find useful background information in the article Is snus legal in Germany for private consumers?
Value exemption limit and VAT
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) allows private imports of goods worth up to CHF 150 without VAT. If the order value exceeds this limit, Swiss VAT of 8.1 percent becomes due. Anyone who deliberately keeps their order below CHF 150 will in most cases avoid additional charges.
Customs classification and tobacco duties
Tobacco products are subject to separate customs tariffs in Switzerland. Since nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, they may not fall under the same tariffs. However, no binding official classification is publicly available. Anyone who needs clarity should inquire directly with the BAZG.
Crossing the border versus ordering online
Anyone who physically brings nicotine pouches in from Germany is subject to the general travel allowances of the BAZG. With an online order, for example via Siberia.de, the mail-order retailer takes care of the export documentation. Customs clearance on import, however, is the responsibility of the recipient, and additional fees may apply, which should be factored in beforehand.
Step by step: how to order nicotine pouches from Siberia.de to Switzerland
Anyone who knows the legal framework can go through the ordering process safely. The following five steps take you from product selection to delivery to your Swiss front door.
Step 1: Open the range and filter it
Open the nicotine pouch range on siberia.de. The filter options allow you to select by brand (Siberia, Pablo, ICEBERG, W1NNAS) or by strength. Beginners are best off filtering by strength and starting with variants in the 6 to 10 mg range.
Step 2: Age verification
Siberia.de sells exclusively to persons aged 18 and over. Age confirmation is part of the ordering process and required by law. Further details are governed by the scope provisions of the General Terms and Conditions. No order is completed without successful verification.
Step 3: Cart and choosing the shipping country
In the checkout, enter Switzerland (CH) as the delivery country. The system automatically adjusts the shipping costs and displays relevant information on customs clearance. At this point, it is advisable to check the total value of the goods, as orders over CHF 150 can trigger Swiss VAT.
Step 4: Complete payment
Common methods such as credit card, PayPal and prepayment are available. Since the shop bills in euros, you should check whether your bank or payment provider automatically converts to CHF and what exchange rate fees apply.
Step 5: Delivery and customs clearance
After dispatch from Germany, the shipment usually arrives within 3 to 7 working days. If the value of the goods exceeds the exemption limit, Swiss customs will contact the recipient directly to collect the VAT.
Tips for your first order from Germany to Switzerland
With the ordering process in mind, it is worth taking five practical points on board before your first purchase to avoid common mistakes.
Keep the value of the goods below CHF 150. Since January 2025, the VAT exemption limit has been CHF 150 per shipment. Orders below this value usually cross the border without additional charges. If the value of the goods is higher, Swiss customs charges 8.1 percent VAT on the total amount. At an exchange rate of approx. 0.94 CHF per euro, the exemption limit corresponds to roughly EUR 160, which covers several cans of nicotine pouches.
Start with a starter set, not a large order. Anyone buying nicotine pouches for the first time does not yet know their personal strength tolerance. A smaller selection with two or three different strengths costs less, remains simpler in terms of customs and quickly shows which variant suits you. Only after that is a larger repeat order worthwhile.
Read product descriptions carefully. Siberia.de lists the nicotine content in milligrams, the pouch size and the flavor profile for every product. For high-dose products such as the Siberia line, which can reach up to 43 mg per pouch, this information is not optional extra information but the basis for a safe purchase decision.
Provide the full delivery address. Swiss addresses require a postal code, town and the country code CH. Missing or incorrect details can delay the shipment during customs clearance.
Contact customer support before ordering. If you have any open questions about shipping conditions to Switzerland, Siberia.de customer service is available to help. A short inquiry before purchasing can save time and effort if in doubt.
Frequently asked questions about buying nicotine pouches in Switzerland
In addition to the practical ordering tips, there are a few questions that Swiss buyers ask regularly. Here are the most important answers at a glance.
Are nicotine pouches legal in Switzerland?
Yes. Buying and using nicotine pouches is not prohibited in Switzerland. There is no specific sales ban, such as the one that exists for snus in large parts of the EU. The Swiss Tobacco Products Act (TabPG), in force since October 2024, regulates nicotine-containing products but does not exclude nicotine pouches from the market.
Do I have to pay customs charges?
That depends on the value of the goods in the shipment. If it is below CHF 150, Swiss VAT is usually not charged. If the order exceeds this limit, Swiss customs charges 8.1 percent VAT on the total value. Tobacco products may be subject to separate customs tariffs; since nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, they often do not fall under these, but checking the individual case with the BAZG is still advisable.
How long does delivery take?
Orders from Siberia.de usually reach Swiss buyers within 3 to 7 working days. Customs checks can occasionally cause delays.
What is the difference between nicotine pouches and chewing tobacco?
Chewing tobacco contains real tobacco leaves and is actively chewed in the mouth. Nicotine pouches are completely tobacco-free; they are placed between the gum and lip without chewing, and nicotine is absorbed directly through the oral mucosa.
Can I combine different brands?
Yes. In the Siberia.de cart, Siberia, Pablo, ICEBERG and W1NNAS can be mixed as you like, which is ideal for testing different strengths and flavors in a single order.
Conclusion: how Swiss buyers can get started in the world of nicotine pouches
The most common questions have been answered. All that remains is a brief summary of the key points.
Nicotine pouches are legal in Switzerland and can be obtained safely by ordering online. The limited range in local shops is not an obstacle, as long as you order through a specialized German mail-order retailer.
With Siberia, Pablo, ICEBERG and W1NNAS, the Siberia.de range offers four clearly distinct brands that together cover almost every strength and flavor preference. Beginners will find the right product there just as much as experienced consumers with a high nicotine tolerance.
The three most important recommendations for first-time buyers in Switzerland:
Start with a low to medium strength (4-10 mg) to determine your personal tolerance before trying stronger variants.
Keep an eye on the value of the goods: Shipments under CHF 150 usually cross the border without additional fees; above that, Swiss VAT applies.
Use the product filters on Siberia.de to filter specifically by brand, strength or flavor and narrow down the selection.
If you are unsure on your first purchase which strength or brand suits you best, you will find detailed product descriptions for every item on Siberia.de. Alternatively, customer support is available for an individual recommendation before you place your first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nicotine pouches and how do they differ from snus or chewing tobacco?
Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free portion pouches made of cellulose fibers that contain nicotine salts, flavorings and humectants – but no tobacco, no smoke and no odor. By contrast, snus contains real tobacco leaves and is largely banned in the EU, while chewing tobacco also contains tobacco and is actively chewed. Nicotine pouches are placed passively under the upper lip, and the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa.
Are nicotine pouches legal in Switzerland, and can I import them from Germany without any problems?
Yes, nicotine pouches are completely legal in Switzerland. Buying and using them is not prohibited, and there is no specific sales ban as there is for snus in the EU. Since they do not contain tobacco, they may not be subject to separate tobacco duties. Orders with a goods value under CHF 150 usually cross the border without additional Swiss VAT; above that, VAT of 8.1 percent applies.
Which nicotine strength is ideal for beginners, and how do I choose the right dose?
Beginners should start with strengths between 4 and 10 mg of nicotine per pouch in order to gradually determine their personal tolerance. Light variants up to 8 mg are a good fit for complete beginners and occasional consumers. Only once tolerance has been established should stronger products, such as the medium category (8-16 mg) or higher, be tried. ICEBERG offers several variants with fresh menthol flavors in the beginner range.
How long does it take for an order from Siberia.de to arrive in Switzerland, and can delays occur?
Orders from Siberia.de usually reach Swiss buyers within 3 to 7 working days. Customs checks can occasionally cause delays. For smooth processing, the delivery address should be given in full, with postal code, town and the country code CH. If you have questions about shipping conditions, Siberia.de customer support will be happy to help.
Which four brands does Siberia.de carry, and which one is best for me?
Siberia.de carries four brands with different profiles: Siberia (very strong, up to 43 mg, only for experienced users), Pablo (upper strength range, intense mint/menthol flavors, for advanced users), ICEBERG (widest strength spectrum with a focus on menthol, ideal for beginners) and W1NNAS (performance pouch for concentration, modern branding). Beginners are best off starting with ICEBERG and medium strengths, while experienced consumers can opt for Siberia or Pablo.
