Swedish Minister praised for exposing ‘absurdity’ of French nicotine pouch ban

International health experts have praised Sweden’s Trade Minister for laying bare the “absurdity” of France’s sweeping ban on nicotine pouches, warning that the move punishes smokers seeking safer alternatives and risks pushing users back to deadly cigarettes.

France’s controversial new decree, which came into force last month, imposes one of the toughest restrictions in Europe on nicotine pouches. It not only bans their sale and import but also possession and use, meaning travellers carrying products legally purchased elsewhere could face stringent penalties – including up to five years in jail.

The move has triggered mounting political opposition, with Sweden among seven EU countries formally questioning whether the ban breaches single market rules.

Branding France’s “absurd” action “an attack on the Swedish way of living”, Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa (pictured) said: “It is as if we would prohibit French baguettes or French wine in Sweden.”

Smoke Free Sweden leader Dr Delon Human said: “Minister Dousa deserves credit for exposing the sheer irrationality of this ban.

“France is criminalising adult consumers for carrying safer smoke-free products that are legally sold and widely used elsewhere in Europe. Pouch users visiting from Sweden, for example, are effectively being told to smoke cigarettes instead.

“At a time when millions of Europeans are struggling to quit smoking, policymakers should be asking how to help them switch to safer alternatives, not threatening travellers with prison sentences.”

Dr Human said the French approach stood in stark contrast to Sweden’s global leadership in tobacco harm reduction.

“Sweden is on the verge of becoming the world’s first officially smoke-free country, with smoking rates already far below the European average – and less than one-third of the French rate,” he said.

“That success was achieved by giving adults access to acceptable, affordable and accessible safer smoke-free alternatives, including snus and nicotine pouches.

“When legal alternatives are removed, people do not simply stop using nicotine. Some return to cigarettes, while others turn to informal or illicit markets. That’s a massive failure of public health policy.

“The European Union should be learning from Sweden’s success, not allowing ideological bans to jeopardise it. Consumer choice and harm reduction must remain central to Europe’s smoke-free future.”

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