Sweden Pushes Back on Spain’s Proposed Ban on Nicotine Pouches – and Rightfully So

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. Importantly, the Swedish government sees the Spanish proposal as a violation of the principle of free movement of goods within the EU – and we agree.

Backed by Evidence, Driven by Harm Reduction

The position taken by the Swedish government is strongly supported by Pouch Patrol. For us, this is not just about market access – it’s about ensuring that adults across Europe can choose safer alternatives to cigarettes.

“We see this as an important and necessary stand from the Swedish government,” says Markus Lindblad, Head of Communication at Pouch Patrol.

“Nicotine pouches have played a clear role in reducing smoking rates in Sweden. It’s essential that this harm reduction model is protected – not undermined by misguided national bans.”

He continues:

“Sweden’s success in reducing smoking through alternative nicotine products is something the rest of Europe should learn from – not legislate against.”

What the Government Says

Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, has made it clear that the government sees the Spanish regulation as a barrier to trade and a threat to harm reduction progress.

“Nicotine pouches is not a health product, but in Sweden we have fewer smokers and lower lung cancer mortality than the EU average. To the extent that nicotine pouches replace cigarettes, it is positive from a public health perspective,” says Dousa.

A Message to the European Commission

With Sweden’s opposition on the table, Spain must now respond. If they proceed without addressing the legal concerns, the matter could escalate further at EU level.

This is where the European Commission has a role to play. It’s time to ensure that public health policy in the EU is based on science – not fear – and that harm reduction remains a central part of tobacco control.

We urge EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides to act.
Public health is not served by banning products that help people avoid smoking. Let’s protect access to safer alternatives – and support policies that reflect real-world outcomes.

Contact Commissioner Kyriakides: stella.kyriakides@ec.europa.eu