New Research Shows: Proposed Nicotine Limits Could Increase Smoking and Black Market Activity in Denmark
26th Nov 2024
In September 2024, the Danish government published a proposal to limit the nicotine content of tobacco substitute products to 9 mg per pouch. The Tholos Foundation, in collaboration with international polling agency IPSOS, has released exclusive research exploring how Danish consumers might respond if the proposed nicotine limit for nicotine pouches were implemented.
Consumers Use Nicotine Pouches for Health Reasons
The survey reveals that three-quarters of consumers use nicotine pouches for health-related reasons, primarily to reduce or quit smoking. Since nicotine pouches were introduced in Denmark in 2018, smoking rates have dropped from 19% to 14% as of 2023. However, the research indicates that nearly 20% of current users would return to smoking if the proposed nicotine limit is enacted.
Risk of an Expanding Black Market
The study also highlights that half of consumers anticipate purchasing nicotine pouches illegally if the proposal is implemented. Additionally, the survey shows that a majority of consumers oppose the proposed nicotine limit.
Criticism of the Proposal
“The evidence is clear: Nicotine pouches help consumers quit smoking and reduce harm. The proposed nicotine limit is a disaster for public health, as it will increase smoking rates and create a massive black market,” said Tim Andrews, Tholos’ director of consumer issues.
Mr. Andrews also emphasized that 80% of consumers view nicotine pouches as an effective tool to reduce smoking and believe that governments should support less harmful alternatives. He calls for regulation based on research and international best practices, focusing on restricting sales to minors while still enabling adults to quit smoking.
International Support for Higher Nicotine Levels
In 2022, Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducted the world’s most comprehensive study on nicotine pouches. The findings confirmed the benefits of these products in reducing health risks compared to smoking and recommended an optimal nicotine content of 16.6 mg per pouch.
