Mar
EU Countries Push for Flavored Nicotine Pouch Ban and Stricter Tobacco Regulations
Stricter Regulations on Nicotine Pouches and E-Cigarettes
Several EU countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Latvia, are advocating for an EU-wide ban on flavored nicotine pouches. They are also pushing for a ban on online sales of nicotine products and restrictions limiting flavors to artificial tobacco and menthol. Criticism is growing against the European Commission for not prioritizing a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2025.
Calls for Flavor Bans and Standardized Packaging
The Dutch Minister of Health has proposed in an open letter to the EU Commission that flavored nicotine pouches should be restricted, a nicotine cap should be imposed, and standardized packaging should be required. According to the news outlet Euroactiv, the aim is to reduce the accessibility of these products, particularly among young people.
Several countries have already implemented strict regulations. Belgium has banned both disposable vapes and nicotine pouches, while the Netherlands only allows artificial tobacco flavors in e-liquids. Latvia has followed suit with similar restrictions.
Flavor Bans Have Increased Vaping Among Young People
Denmark has already implemented a flavor ban on e-cigarettes and is now planning to regulate nicotine pouches similarly. However, according to Jeanett Andersen, Communications Manager at one of Denmark’s largest vape retailers, these bans have had the opposite effect. Statistics show that since the flavor ban was introduced, the number of young people (aged 15–29) using e-cigarettes has increased from 4% to 12%.
White Snus May Also Be Banned in the EU
The EU Commission is now exploring the possibility of including all white nicotine pouches in the current ban on traditional snus. A study commissioned by the EU Commission and reported by Politico suggests that white snus may pose health risks and should be regulated similarly to traditional snus.
Sweden is the only EU country exempt from the snus ban since its accession to the EU in 1995. However, white snus is becoming increasingly popular internationally and has already been banned in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany.
The EU Health Commissioner has expressed concerns that flavored nicotine pouches could attract young users and serve as a gateway to tobacco consumption.
Sweden’s Strict Tobacco Policies
Sweden has one of Europe’s most restrictive tobacco policies and has long worked to reduce tobacco use. The government’s ANDTS strategy (2022–2025) aims to decrease the use of both tobacco and tobacco-free nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
According to the latest public health survey from the Swedish Public Health Agency, 18% of women aged 16–29 use nicotine pouches—a significant increase compared to previous years.
Use of Nicotine Products in the EU
Sweden has the lowest percentage of smokers in the EU, with only 7% daily smokers compared to the EU average of 23%. At the same time, the use of snus and nicotine pouches has increased.
In a 2023 survey, 24% of ninth-grade students and 40% of second-year high school students reported using some form of nicotine product. The most significant increase was seen among young women.
Health Risks of Nicotine Products
Nicotine is highly addictive and affects the heart and circulation by raising blood pressure and impairing vascular function. Smoking is the single largest risk factor, causing an estimated 12,000 deaths annually in Sweden.
Research on the health risks of white snus and e-cigarettes is still limited. Studies suggest that snus use may increase the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Vaping may potentially irritate the respiratory system and negatively impact heart health, but more research is needed.
Conclusion
The EU’s proposals for stricter regulations on nicotine pouches and white snus are part of a broader strategy to reduce nicotine consumption. At the same time, criticism is growing against these regulations, as some argue they push consumers toward black markets and alternative products. Time will tell if the bans become reality and what impact they will have on public health.
Sources:
Swedish Chemicals Agency – Regulations on E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids
Tobacco Asia – EU’s Review of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD3)
Karolinska Institutet – Research on Nicotine and E-Cigarettes
