France has been flirting with the idea of banning oral nicotine, and on September 5, 2025, they made it official. Starting in March 2026, even having a can in your pocket when you step off the train could lead to hundreds of euros in fines, with much more severe penalties for importers and sellers. This […]

Now is your chance to make your voice heard! The European Commission has opened an eight-week feedback period on its proposal to revise the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). By taxing tobacco, the aim is to reduce consumption and contribute to the EU’s plan to beat cancer. However, experiences from countries like soon-to-be smoke-free Sweden show […]

Today, an open letter was sent to the European Commission from more than 80 prominent scientists, doctors, and public health experts worldwide. The letter warns that the upcoming review of the Tobacco Excise Directive risks introducing new taxes on less harmful nicotine products – something that, according to the experts, would undermine the EU’s own […]

France has now submitted its written comments in response to other member states’ objections against prohibiting the sale of nicotine pouches by anyone outside the pharmaceutical industry. However, the French response is riddled with contradictions and disregards both scientific evidence and the positive experiences of other member states. Global consumer data are undeniable: most users […]

The EU Commission has proposed a common tax directive for tobacco and nicotine products. Pouch Patrol can already present Haypp Group’s consultation response to the Swedish Ministry of Finance. And the company – which represents more than a million nicotin pouches users – offers both criticism and praise for the proposal.   By taxing snus […]

Opposition to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is rapidly gaining ground on multiple fronts, with the UK’s convenience sector leading the charge. As for example Grocery Trader have reported, the Protect Your Store, Have Your Say campaign has now sent over 1,000 letters to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, warning the Bill threatens store safety, jobs, […]

In a widely noted interview with Brazilian media, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voiced sharp criticism of the explosive rise of Chinese vapes—while clearly stating that nicotine pouches are the safest way to consume nicotine. Chinese vapes targeting children: “We are very worried” When asked about the surge of Chinese vapes—often marketed with […]

On July 8, Sweden’s Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson took to X (formerly Twitter) to sound the alarm over the new tobacco directive reportedly being prepared by the European Commission. The directive includes a dramatic tax increase on nicotine pouches – but what’s also raising concern is that the tax revenue would no longer go to […]

Australia is regarded by many as a role model in tobacco control, with sharply declining smoking rates and ambitious public health goals. However, the country’s recent strategic shift has sparked both national and international criticism. Dramatically increased tobacco taxes and a total ban on vapes have resulted in a range of negative consequences, including a […]

At last Friday’s EPSCO meeting, several EU Member States – including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Sweden, and Bulgaria – raised clear concerns about the European Commission’s direction on future tobacco legislation. Three Key Messages from Member States The Member States delivered a coordinated set of messages, centered on the following points: Health is […]