Sweden steps up defence of pouches with EU objection to French ban

The Swedish government has stepped up its defence of safer alternatives for smokers in Europe by formally opposing a proposed French ban on nicotine pouches.

Sweden has issued a so-called ‘Detailed Opinion’ to the European Union challenging the French proposal, following a similar move earlier this year in response to restrictive legislation in Spain.

Nicotine pouches have played a critical role in reducing smoking rates in Sweden to the lowest in Europe. Sweden’s male lung cancer death rate is 61% lower than the European average, with a corresponding 34% lower rate of total cancer deaths.

“Sweden must be applauded for standing up for its harm reduction model and defending the rights of adult consumers across Europe,” said Dr. Delon Human, a global health expert and leader of Smoke Free Sweden. “The Swedish government’s continued advocacy for access to nicotine alternatives reflects its commitment to public health through innovation, not prohibition.”

France has introduced a draft decree that would impose a comprehensive ban on nicotine pouches and all other oral nicotine products, except for medicines and chewing tobacco.

According to Expressen, Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa, who is leading Sweden’s challenge, emphasised the importance of safeguarding adults’ access to safer alternatives: “We are sending a clear signal to the other EU countries that we will stand up for our own business sector and for our [pouch] users.”

He went on: “All EU countries have the free right to regulate [nicotine pouches], which we have also done in Sweden and something that we think is positive. We have set an age limit, regulated marketing and decided that there should be warning labels on the packages.

“Ultimately, it’s about freedom of choice.”

Dr Human said: “Smoke-free nicotine alternatives are key to achieving a healthier, smoke-free Europe. With some EU countries proposing bans rather than regulation, Sweden’s stance defends its national interests, as well as the fundamental principle of harm reduction and consumer choice.

“We urge policymakers across Europe to look at the data from Sweden, where smoking rates are the lowest in the EU thanks to widespread use of safer alternatives. This is the path forward: balanced regulation that protects youth and supports adults in quitting smoking.”