The EU’s New Tax Plan – A Threat to Nicotine Pouches and White Snus

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 for those who choose nicotine pouches?
If the proposal is passed, it could result in significantly higher prices for nicotine pouches and other smoke-free alternatives – even though these products are far less harmful than cigarettes. The tax hikes risk directly affecting adult consumers who have actively chosen a life without harmful cigarette smoke.

“To treat tobacco-free nicotine products as if they were cigarettes is both regressive and counterproductive from a public health perspective,” says Markus Lindblad, Head of Communications at Pouch Patrol, and continues:

“It is completely unreasonable that the same EU which talks about harm reduction now risks making it harder to access the very products that make the biggest difference for smokers who want to switch.”

European opposition is growing
The tax proposal comes from pressure by several EU countries – including the Netherlands, Finland, and France – that want stricter regulation or even a ban on nicotine pouches. But trying to export a prohibition model to the entire EU is not the right way forward. It not only hampers innovation and choice, but also risks worsening public health.

“Nicotine pouches are not a health product – that’s why we’ve regulated them in Sweden. But as long as cigarettes are legal, less harmful alternatives like nicotine pouches should be as well,” says Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

Make your voice heard – before it’s too late
This is a crucial moment for public health, innovation, and your right to choose. If you believe the EU’s tax plan on nicotine pouches is the wrong direction – act now.

Contact your EU Commissioner:
Find your country’s representative here:
https://commissioners.ec.europa.eu/commissioners/2019-2024_en
Ask them to support a modern, evidence-based policy that differentiates between nicotine products – and defends consumers’ right to choose less harmful alternatives.