Published 2025-05-23
Sweden’s Warning to France – Don’t Ban Nicotine Pouches!
Following the French government’s indication that it plans to ban nicotine pouches, the Swedish government is raising its voice.
"We are sending a clear signal to the other EU countries that we will stand up for our own industry and for our snus users,"
France has recently signalled a national ban on nicotine pouches, sometimes called ‘white snus’ – something that has prompted Sweden’s government to act.
In a statement to the Expressen newspaper, Minister Benjamin Dousa emphasised that Sweden opposes any attempt to stop the export of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from Sweden to other EU countries.
“White snus is not a health product, and that’s why we regulate it in Sweden. But in a situation where smoking is allowed, white snus should be allowed too,” says Dousa.
Sweden Stands Up for Nicotine Pouch Users – Again!
This isn’t the first time Sweden has taken a stand against other EU countries' efforts to ban nicotine pouches.
Earlier this year, similar criticism was directed at Spain, which also wants to tighten regulations around the product. Now, France is the focus.
The government, through Benjamin Dousa, stresses that proposals to ban nicotine risk creating trade barriers within the internal market.
The threat to nicotine pouches in France has resulted in a new “detailed opinion” from Sweden, described as the “strongest tool in the toolbox” available to EU member states.
Not Tackling the Problem – Just the Product
Haypp, one of the world’s largest retailers of smokeless nicotine products, is also critical of France’s stance.
"France is not tackling the problem – just the product. A ban on nicotine pouches solves nothing; it risks pushing users toward more harmful alternatives like cigarettes,"
He argues that Sweden should serve as a role model in reducing smoking without bans and nanny state restrictions.
“The Swedish model works – smoking rates are among the lowest in the EU. We should be exporting knowledge, not facing trade barriers,” says Lindblad.
The EU’s Credibility is at Stake
As Sweden now questions France’s actions, the French government is forced to respond.
For Haypp, this debate isn’t just about trade barriers, it's about ensuring that people across Europe have access to less harmful alternatives to cigarettes – a prerequisite for significantly reducing smoking.
While UK pouch users are not impacted by any EU regulations on the products, they should watch this space closely and hope Sweden continues to defend the rights of pouch users.
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