Swedish Government Steps Up Opposition to Nicotine Ban in the EU
03rd Oct 2025
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 use. This comes despite the country’s own advisory body, the Conseil d’État, recommending against such a far-reaching measure. Critics argue that the move risks criminalizing travelers and undermining harm reduction strategies.
Benjamin Dousa: “A Last Attempt to Stop Harm Reduction”
Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, calls the decision “a last desperate attempt” to stop harm reduction. He emphasizes that nicotine pouches are one of the most effective tools for reducing smoking and that Sweden will not stand by while other countries undermine this strategy.
Sweden’s Diplomatic Countermove
The government has sent formal letters to both France and Spain, warning that their measures violate the EU’s internal market principles. Sweden has also submitted a “detailed opinion” to the European Commission, forcing the countries to pause their plans for at least three months. The argument is based on the fact that nicotine pouches are legal within the EU and that the bans lack scientific justification.
Why This Matters
Sweden has the lowest smoking rate in the EU, largely thanks to snus and nicotine pouches. A ban in major member states risks setting a precedent that could affect the entire union. For consumers, it’s about the right to choose less harmful alternatives; for the industry, it’s about predictability and fair regulation.
Conclusion
The debate over nicotine pouches is far from over. While France and Spain push for stricter regulation, Sweden and several other countries are mobilizing to defend harm reduction as a cornerstone of public health policy. The question now is whether the European Commission will block national bans—or if we are entering a new era of restrictions.
