The Swedish Minister for Health, Jakob Forssmed, is now entering the debate on nicotine pouches and harm reduction for smokers. In response to recent developments regarding the Swedish authorities' actions in connection with the EU's upcoming nicotine legislation, he wants to reassure Swedish users.
"I would like to emphasize that, compared to snus, cigarettes and smoking tobacco pose a relatively greater health hazard. This approach is reflected in the taxation of these products in Sweden, a diversification that the government has proposed to reinforce," says Jakob Forssmed.
The political the discussion around nicotine pouches and harm reduction for smokers in the EU continue in the Swedish Parliament. Critical questions about the Ministry of Social Affairs not acting strongly enough to defend nicotine pouches before The upcoming EU revision of the Tobacco Products Directive now has a Minister of Health Jakob Forssmed to react.
"I would like to emphasize that, compared to snus, cigarettes and smoking tobacco pose a relatively greater health hazard. This approach is reflected in the taxation of these products in Sweden, a diversification that the government has proposed to reinforce" writes Jakob Forssmed who Answer to a question from Tobias Andersson (S&D).
Complicated situation in the EU
As previously reported by Vejpkollen several critical voices to highlight the upcoming EU legislation on new nicotine products. It is mainly about e-cigarettes, but also nicotine pouches - a product invented in Sweden that competes with other products on the nicotine market across the EU.
Nicotine pouches are regulated in Sweden since 2022, However, unlike cigarettes and e-cigarettes, these products are not regulated at EU level. The European Commission wants to change this and, ahead of the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive, it asked an independent consultancy to gather views on the current legislation. This was done, among other things, through a survey in which individual countries and other stakeholders were asked to answer questions about new nicotine products. This included the Swedish Ministry of Social Affairs.
"Politically biased consultation"
But according to the newspaper Daily News the Ministry, under the leadership of Health Minister Jakob Forssmed, was also invited to participate in an in-depth consultation on the Swedish legislation on new nicotine products. However, the Ministry declined.
The survey circulated in spring 2023, but also the subsequent consultation in the fall, has been sharply criticized for being biased.
"It will be pure political propaganda to push through tougher legislation" said Markus Lindblad, Head of Communications at Haypp group (which owns the retailer Snusbolaget) to Vejpkollen as he urged customers to notify the survey as biased with political intentions.
Only contributed with information
But according to Jakob Forssmed, this was not something the government reacted to at the time
"The Government Offices, with the support of the relevant authorities, have responded to the questionnaire from Open Evidence on the national implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive. In this way, Sweden has contributed with the information that has been deemed relevant based on the questions in the survey." responds Jakob Forssmed on the issue in Parliament.
Complaint to the Ombudsman against the Ministry
As mentioned, the Ministry has been criticized for its actions in the matter, which has resulted in, among other things, an Ombudsman notification from the Swedish Snus Association. According to the union's president Samuel Lundell the Department should have reported its responses.
"Many of us in Sweden use nicotine pouches and snus, and it should go without saying that our elected representatives should show how they act to protect our interests. The government and parliament have decided to make a difference in how different nicotine products are regulated based on their harmfulness. How are we to know that they are doing this in practice, even at EU level, when we are not told how they handle a consultation like this?" says Samuel Lundell.
"Did not apply to nicotine portions"
But Jakob Forssmed believes that the questions in the survey only concerned how Sweden has complied with the European Tobacco Products Directive, a directive that currently applies to smoking tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
"The survey asked about the implementation of the current regulation and not specifically about nicotine deliveries, which are currently not covered by the harmonized legislation." writes Jakob Forssmed.
"Not official positions"
The government has also been criticized for declining to participate in a workshop and later an in-depth interview with the consulting firm behind the survey. The firm has now prepared a report for the European Commission, including proposals for future legislation.
"The invitation to the workshop organized by Open Evidence in October 2023 did not indicate that a report would be presented. The invitation was addressed to the competent authorities of the Member States. It was not a meeting where participants were expected to express official positions on behalf of Member States." writes Jakob Forssmed.
Committed to harm reduction
At the same time, Jakob Forssmed affirms that the Swedish government defends its decisions on harm reduction in tobacco and nicotine policy.
"I would also like to emphasize in this context that, in comparison to snus, cigarettes and smoking tobacco pose a relatively greater health hazard. This view is reflected in the taxation of these products in Sweden, a diversification that the government has proposed to strengthen. The exemption in connection with Sweden's accession to the EU, which allows the sale and regulation of the content of snus in Sweden, was an important part when Sweden became a member of the EU. The government safeguards this exemption," writes Jakob Forssmed.
EU Commission representatives have repeatedly described new nicotine products as a danger to public health over the years. several organizations that work harm reduction for smokers, the Commission is likely to propose some kind of ban against nicotine pouches and a ban on flavorings in e-cigarettes in spring. But this is still speculation.
