Harm reduction

The Swedish government’s 2026 budget proposal introduces a series of tobacco policy changes aimed at improving public health by focusing on harm reduction rather than simply reducing overall nicotine use as for example France is planning. The plan draws a clear distinction between combustible tobacco products like cigarettes and smoke-free alternatives such as snus and […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The EU is preparing to crack down hard on nicotine pouches and other smoke-free nicotine products. A majority of member states now want the European Commission to revive an old proposal to introduce common minimum taxes on tobacco and nicotine products – and for the first time, nicotine pouches are included. What does this mean […]

France is planning a nationwide ban on tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Now Sweden is responding forcefully.  – We’re standing up for our snus users and for free trade within the EU, said Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. What’s at stake? France has announced its intent to ban nicotine pouches – […]

The Swedish government has formally opposed Spain’s proposal to impose a 0.99 mg nicotine limit per pouch – a move that would effectively ban the sale of most nicotine pouches in the Spanish market. In a detailed opinion submitted under the EU’s notification procedure, Sweden argues that the measure is disproportionate and lacks scientific justification. […]