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Published 2020-06-25
Last update 2025-09-02
Is Snus Legal in the UK?
Snus is a traditional Scandinavian smokeless tobacco product, used for its high nicotine content and quick absorption. Despite being a staple in Sweden, snus is not legal for purchase in the UK. Snus is sometimes used to refer to nicotine pouches, which are legal to purchase in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Snus is illegal to buy or sell in the UK, though personal consumption is permitted
- The UK law stems from the EU-wide ban in 1992
- Snus was banned in the EU due to the health concerns
- Sweden is the only EU country exempt from the ban
- Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free alternative that are legal to buy in the UK
Snus: A Closer Look
Snus is a moist, powdered tobacco product that traditionally comes pre-portioned in a small pouch. This pouch is placed between the upper lip and the gum, where the nicotine is absorbed into the blood stream.
Snus has been used in Scandinavia for centuries, and Sweden remains the cultural and historical epicentre of snus production.
With its growing popularity outside of Sweden in recent years, as well as the invention of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, there is some confusion among users as to whether snus is legal in the UK.
The Legal Status of Snus in the UK
Snus in the UK is illegal to buy and sell, due to health concerns and EU regulations. However, it is legal for individuals over the age of 18 to use snus.
Why is Snus Illegal in the UK?
The ban on selling snus stems from the 1992 European Union Directive, which prohibited the sale of snus across EU countries.
The ban arose due to public health concerns and was primarily aimed at reducing the availability of tobacco products that were considered to be harmful, especially among young people.
Sweden, however, received an exemption due to its historical use of snus and its cultural significance. Hence, snus remains widely available and popular in Sweden today.
Snus in the UK Post-Brexit
Although the UK has since left the EU, the ban on selling snus remains in force under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which implemented the EU Tobacco Products Directive into UK law.
Despite this, the personal use and possession of snus is not criminalised in the UK, meaning that adults can still use snus (for example, if they purchased it abroad and took it home).
This distinction is a reflection of wider tobacco control policies, which focus on limiting sales rather than penalising individuals.
Where is Snus Legal?
According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, 58% of the world’s adult population can legally access snus.
The table below indicates a selection of countries and regions where snus is legally and not legally available.
| Where Snus Is Legally Available | Where Snus is Not Legally Available |
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Snus and Nicotine Pouches: What’s the Difference?
Despite the fact that snus is illegal to purchase in the UK, you may hear the word being used frequently. (Want more synonyms? Our snus and nicotine pouch glossary gives you the full run down).
This is because in the UK, snus is often used to refer to nicotine pouches. In fact, the two look very similar, but with one key difference–while snus contains tobacco, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free.
Nicotine pouches deliver a similar experience, offering nicotine consumption through a small pouch that is placed under the upper lip. But because nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, they can legally be purchased in the UK.
| Snus | Nicotine Pouches |
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For more information, refer to our snus vs nicotine pouches guide.
Final Thoughts: Will Snus Become Legal in the UK?
For the time being, it seems like snus in the UK will remain illegal to purchase.
For adult nicotine users in the UK who are looking for a discreet nicotine experience, tobacco-free nicotine pouches can be a practical alternative. Check out the most popular nicotine pouches on Haypp, as ordered by our customers.
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4 ZYN ZYN Red Berry Fizz 11mg
OfferOfferOfferOfferNew20-pack £49.80 £2.49/unit
ZYN ZYN Red Berry Fizz 11mg -
5 ZYN ZYN Menthol Ice 13.5mg
OfferOfferOfferOffer20-pack £49.80 £2.49/unit
ZYN ZYN Menthol Ice 13.5mg -
5 ZYN ZYN Cool Mint 11mg
OfferOfferOfferOffer20-pack £49.80 £2.49/unit
ZYN ZYN Cool Mint 11mg -
Nordic Spirit Nordic Spirit UK Slim Melon Fresh Regular
OfferOffer20-pack £49.80 £2.49/unit
Nordic Spirit Nordic Spirit UK Slim Melon Fresh Regular -
5 XQS XQS Arctic Freeze Extra Strong
OfferOfferOffer10-pack £34.90 £3.49/unit
XQS XQS Arctic Freeze Extra Strong -
NEAFS Nicotine Pouches NEAFS Blueberry Ice 12mg
OfferOffer10-pack £27.89 £2.79/unit
NEAFS Nicotine Pouches NEAFS Blueberry Ice 12mg -
NEAFS Nicotine Pouches NEAFS Mango Ice 12mg
OfferOffer10-pack £27.89 £2.79/unit
NEAFS Nicotine Pouches NEAFS Mango Ice 12mg -
3 VELO Velo Freezing Peppermint 17mg
OfferOffer20-pack £49.80 £2.49/unit
VELO Velo Freezing Peppermint 17mg
FAQ Is Snus Legal in the UK?
Is it illegal to bring snus into the UK?
It is legal to bring in small amounts of snus into the UK for personal use only. However, it is illegal to sell and supply snus.
Can you order snus online in the UK?
No, you cannot order snus online in the UK as it is a prohibited product. You can order tobacco-free nicotine pouches online in the UK, from websites like Haypp.
What is the legal age to buy snus in the UK?
You cannot purchase snus at all in the UK, so there is no legal age of purchase.
Adults aged 18 and over can purchase nicotine pouches.
What’s the difference between snus and nicotine pouches?
Snus contains tobacco and is illegal to sell in the UK.
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, offering a similar experience by delivering nicotine through a pouch placed under the lip. Because they don’t contain tobacco, nicotine pouches are legal for sale in the UK to anyone aged 18 and over.
What happens if you order snus in the UK?
If you try and order snus in the UK, customs will most likely seize your package.
