Legislation & policy

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

An internal European Commission document reveals that the EU plans to increase taxes on nicotine pouches by over 500%. If the proposal becomes reality, prices could rise by up to 70% for consumers across Europe – at a time when millions of smokers are looking for less harmful alternatives. Read the leaked EU document here. […]

The debate surrounding nicotine pouches in Germany has recently gained momentum as the tobacco industry pushes for their legalization. These tobacco-free but nicotine-containing pouches have been growing in popularity across Europe, particularly in Sweden, where they have become an established alternative to smoking. While proponents argue that they offer a less harmful alternative to traditional […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of 20 ZYN nicotine pouches after a rigorous scientific review. These products meet the public health standard established by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which evaluates overall risks and benefits. “This is a significant step for harm reduction and great […]

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 […]

As many as half a million vapers could relapse or return to smoking as a result of the UK government’s plan to ban disposable vapes.  This would effectively undo the last four years or more of success in smoking cessation services across England. More smoking, not less! The government’s own impact assessment has revealed that as […]