France Targets Nicotine Pouches – Sweden Pushes Back
26th May 2025
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 – a tobacco-free nicotine product increasingly used as a smoke-free alternative. In response, Sweden has submitted a detailed opinion to the EU – just like they did on Spain a few weeks back.
According to the Swedish government, the ban is disproportionate, risks creating trade barriers within the EU – and most importantly: threatens access to less harmful alternatives for millions of smokers.
Nicotine pouches compared to cigarettes
“Nicotine pouches are not a health product – that’s why we’ve regulated it in Sweden. But as long as cigarettes remain legal, so should less harmful alternatives like nicotine pouches”, says Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
In other words: this isn’t about defending all nicotine products – it’s about defending the right to switch to better options.
A recurring conflict – new country
This isn’t the first time Sweden has clashed with another EU member over nicotine pouches. Earlier this year, Spain proposed tighter regulations. Now it’s France’s turn – and Sweden is once again drawing a line:
Don’t ban nicotine pouches.
Time for the EU to step up
When science-based products are threatened by arbitrary national decisions, the European Commission must lead. Sweden has acted. Now it’s up to the EU.
This isn’t just about one country – it’s about ensuring that all Europeans have access to safer alternatives.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Email EU Health Commissioner and remind him why smoke-free alternatives matter:
