Is Snus Legal in the UK?

Snus is a moist, powdered tobacco product that users place between their lip and gum. While Sweden remains the cultural and historical epicentre of snus production, the product has gained global attention, sparking debates about its safety and legality. In the UK, it is illegal to buy and sell snus that contains tobacco, but legal to consume snus containing tobacco if you are at the age of 18 years old or older.

It is important to distinguish between traditional tobacco snus and alternatives like nicotine pouches. While both share similarities in usage, only nicotine pouches—free from tobacco—are legal to buy and sell in the UK.

Despite containing tobacco and nicotine, the ban on snus sales in the EU was primarily aimed at reducing the availability of tobacco products considered harmful, especially among young people. In the UK, the prohibition is enforced under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which integrates the earlier EU directives into domestic law.

At present, there is no indication that the UK government will lift the ban on snus sales. The ongoing debate about the legality of snus highlights concerns over nicotine addiction.

Any potential legislative changes would likely depend on future scientific research demonstrating reduced harm compared to other tobacco products.

Snus continues to be a subject of interest and debate in the UK, reflecting its complex history and evolving role within the nicotine market. While traditional snus remains banned, legal alternatives provide an option for those seeking smokeless products.

It is important to note that traditional tobacco pouches are also illegal for sale in the UK, although their use is permitted, which often leads to confusion among consumers regarding these products and their legal alternatives like nicotine pouches.