Politics

This November, delegates from over 180 countries will gather in Geneva for COP11: the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It’s the world’s most influential tobacco policy summit. Over six days, member states debate and adopt positions on tobacco and nicotine regulation. These […]

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 […]

At Pouch Patrol, we are committed to tracking and amplifying every step forward in the fight for smarter, science-based nicotine policy across Europe. Haypp Group, one of Europe’s leading e-commerce retailers for nicotine pouches and harm reduction products, has officially submitted its feedback to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. This submission is more than just […]

Today, an open letter was sent to the European Commission from more than 80 prominent scientists, doctors, and public health experts worldwide. The letter warns that the upcoming review of the Tobacco Excise Directive risks introducing new taxes on less harmful nicotine products – something that, according to the experts, would undermine the EU’s own […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

The European Commission, Sweden and Greece have raised several objections to a draft bill proposed by Luxembourg that would require the strength of nicotine pouches to be so low, as to be a de facto ban on the products. Severely limiting nicotine content Sweden has objected, saying that setting a ceiling of 0.048 mg nicotine […]

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. […]