Action & Initiative

As the EU now discusses sharply increased taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, the debate has become intense. According to an article in Politico, thousands of comments have poured in to the EU. An overwhelming majority express criticism of the tax hikes, using arguments such as risk reduction and concern about illegal trade. The article […]

At the finance ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg, Sweden’s Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson made a strong stand against the EU’s proposal for a drastic tax increase on nicotine pouches. Sweden remains firm on its principle: taxation should be based on the harm of the product – not political budget needs. The European Commission has put forward […]

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 […]

Almost all nicotine pouches will be banned, if a Royal Decree in Spain is passed. The decree on the regulation of tobacco and related products, which include nicotine pouches and vapes, proposes that there be a ban on all flavours except tobacco and that the nicotine limit in pouches be reduced to less than 1mg […]

Spain has recently initiated a public consultation on a new Draft Royal Decree amending Royal Decree 579/2017, which introduces several concerning measures that could significantly hinder harm reduction efforts. The most contentious proposal for consumers is the inclusion of a flavour ban for vaping products and nicotine pouches. This move is part of a worrying […]

Led by Denmark, several EU health ministers are now trying to push through a position paper to speed up proposals for nicotine regulation, flavour bans and even bans on certain nicotine products. Proposals that lack sufficient evidence and therefore risk having far-reaching consequences for public health. “The ministers are trying to get around the European […]

We need you to take action! Reach out to your national COP 10 representatives to support proposals that will quickly reduce smoking rates. Write to the representatives about how you quit smoking through harm reduced nicotine products and how important it is for your health! Support harm reduction – your voice matters at COP10 In […]

On Wednesday, an incredibly strong statement came from the Swedish government in response to the Chairman of the Committee on Industry and Trade in the Swedish Parliament regarding nicotine pouches. More and more people have begun to celebrate the Swedish success in soon becoming smoke-free. There are several reasons for this success, and much is […]

Pouch patrol have previously reported on the concerning attempts by the EU Commission to push its own agenda ahead of COP10, putting democratic principles at risk. These actions undermine the fundamental principle that EU decisions should be made with respect for the rights of member states and the democratic representation of citizens. This is turn poses a threat toward alternative nicotine products, and in turn the public health of Europe.

It is important that the EU-commission addresses all aspects of the nicotine harm-reducing alternatives in the upcoming legislative proposition on tobacco control. The European Commission’s Inter-Service Group (ISG) has been established, and a first draft of the upcoming tobacco control framework will soon be completed.