The government is looking into the possibility of banning certain storage of tobacco and other nicotine products. This is because nicotine sales have become an important source of income for criminal organizations.
The government is looking into the possibility of regulating the storage of various nicotine products in the same way as alcohol. This is part of the effort to tackle the illegal sale of nicotine products.
"Tobacco and nicotine products are sold both in physical stores and through e-commerce. In order to sell tobacco products, a license must be granted. The sale of other nicotine products must be notified. In the case of tobacco products and nicotine products, there is no corresponding prohibition on storage as there is in the Alcohol Act. This makes it difficult to monitor compliance with the provisions on the sale of tobacco and nicotine products." writes the Government in its directives to the inquiry.
Lack of rules on storage
Minister of Social Affairs Jacob Forssmed (kd) emphasizes that the reason for the decision is that there are clear shortcomings in the current legislation.
"There are currently no regulations on the storage of tobacco and nicotine products in cases where a trader does not meet the requirements for selling such products. There is a storage ban in the Alcohol Act. But it has emerged that there are problems in applying it in some cases" says Jacob Forssmed in a press release.
Tackling illegal trade
He also stresses the importance of tackling the black market in nicotine and tobacco.
"Illegal trade in alcohol and tobacco is an important source of income for organized crime. In order to counteract this and ensure a high level of protection for both individuals and public health, we must have effective alcohol and tobacco legislation that is adapted to today's conditions." Says Minister for Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed.
An already highly regulated market
Interest in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, especially disposable models, has increased significantly in recent years. Disposable vapes are legal to sell in Sweden, provided that the products are registered and approved under the "Act on tobacco and similar products." A disposable vape must not contain more than 2 ml of liquid and the nicotine concentration must not exceed 20 mg/ml. A retailer must, in addition to registering as a nicotine retailer in the municipality of residence, also have a special permit under the Chemicals Act. The license covers the handling of toxic products, in particular nicotine salt, which is present in the majority of all disposable models.
Reporting illegal sales on an ongoing basis
The electronic cigarette industry association, BELC, has in the spring systematically notified online sites selling illegal products.
"If a disposable model is marketed as lasting over 1000 puffs, it is a clear sign that the tank holds more than 2 ml. In addition, it is common for the nicotine strength to be very high compared to the permitted levels. By definition, those who sell such products are engaged in black marketing. I doubt that they are aware of, or care about, any regulations either" says Niklas Linder, active in BELC.
"A step in the right direction"
Several organizations in the field of harm reduction in Sweden have previously required to take actionr to tackle illegal sales.
"We have been warning about this for a long time. It is through the black market that young people get their disposable cigarettes. It's a relatively risk-free sale that is going on, where the authorities are not keeping up. Making dealing illegal is a good start. Tackling stockpiling is another step in the right direction", Karl-Åke Johansson, spokesperson for the consumer organization NNA Sweden, told Vejpkollen.
