EU

Around the world, countries that regulate safer nicotine alternatives are seeing smoking rates fall. From Sweden’s snus legacy to the UK’s vaping-first strategy, the evidence is clear: people quit smoking when governments support harm reduction. But while many countries are refining their policies based on new evidence that alternatives work, the EU is preparing to […]

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 […]

France’s decision to ban nicotine pouches has triggered a diplomatic offensive from Sweden. The government warns that national bans threaten both public health and the free movement of goods within the EU. Background: France’s Hard Line France has decided to introduce a total ban on nicotine pouches – not only sales, but also possession and […]

In Denmark, several major health organisations want to ban all sales of tobacco and nicotine by 2035. But Health Minister Sophie Løhde says no – a total ban breaches EU rules. Still, the debate rages on, with proposals for higher prices, fewer retailers, and raising the purchase age to 25. But do bans really work? […]

A new Rutgers University study has found that nicotine pouch use is most common among adults who have recently quit smoking or vaping. The findings, based on data from more than 110,000 U.S. adults between 2022 and 2023, suggest that many users are turning to pouches as an alternative after leaving cigarettes or e-cigarettes behind. […]

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 […]