Swedish lawmakers praised for challenging France’s ‘absurd’ nicotine ban

STOCKHOLM – International health experts have praised Swedish MEPs for their revolt against France’s sweeping ban on nicotine pouches, warning the prohibition is disproportionate, unscientific and risks undermining both public health and the EU’s single market.

Five Swedish MEPs have written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Parliament President Roberta Metsola (pictured), warning that France’s new law could even disrupt their ability to attend European Parliament sessions in Strasbourg.

In their letters, the MEPs cautioned: “The prospect of Swedish citizens being deprived of liberty or punished with a hefty fine while visiting France, solely for possessing or using nicotine pouches, is plainly absurd and wholly unacceptable.”

Under the ban, which came into effect this week, anyone in or travelling to France who is caught with oral nicotine products faces heavy fines or even imprisonment. Nicotine pouches can carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to €375,000.

Dr Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “Swedish MEPs are absolutely right to challenge this legislation. The ban means that Swedish pouch users who visit France have been left with two options: risk a spell in prison or smoke deadly cigarettes. That is plainly unscientific and contrary to public health.”

Johan Danielsson (S&D, Sweden), who signed both letters of complaint, said the ban violates the EU’s free movement rules and argued that the Commission must force France to amend its legislation.

“If adult Swedes risk high fines or even imprisonment, it is not reasonable to continue going to France. The threat applies to both staff and members,” Danielsson said.

He added that, if the Commission does not act, Sweden should consider bringing the case before the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The S&D party has given the Commission three weeks to clarify whether the French ban is “based on scientific grounds”.

Dr Human, a former secretary-general of the World Medical Association, added: “Sweden is on the verge of becoming the first smoke-free country in Europe. That success has been built on access to safer nicotine products, including oral alternatives like snus and pouches. With this misguided ban, France is moving in the opposite direction.

“When you remove safer alternatives, you protect cigarettes. That is the unintended – but very real – consequence of prohibitionist policies like this.”

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