The Swedish government is concerned that various EU countries are introducing total bans on the sale of nicotine pouches. According to Johan Forssell, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, it is as much about the principle of free movement of goods on the market as it is about the harm-reducing effects of certain products on the nicotine market.
"The free market principle of free movement of products is a core value for the Swedish government. Total bans on the sale of certain goods restrict free movement. The Government is also concerned that free movement is negatively affected when individual Member States introduce total bans." writes Johan Forssell (m) in answer to a question from the Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Tobias Andersson (sd).
"Protect harm-reducing products"
Vejpkollen has previously drawn attention on several occasions the concerns of Swedish politicians on the future of white snus in the EU. The topic has become topical since both the WHO and the European Commission flagged that the products should be regulated under same principles as smoking tobacco. This would mean taste bans and high taxes - or in the worst case - that the products are banned completely (according to the same principle as traditional Swedish snus).
Similar reasoning by the European Commission on electronic cigarettes - alternatives to smoking tobacco, where flavor and price have played a key role in increasing their attractiveness compared to cigarettes. According to Tobias Andersson (sd), it is important that the Swedish government puts its foot down when it comes to nicotine pouches and harm reduction in general.
"The Sweden Democrats have long recognized that Swedish snus has contributed to our public health and led to Sweden having the lowest tobacco-related mortality in the entire EU. Today, there are significantly more nicotine products that lack the harmful effects of cigarettes, which is why the principle of "harm reduction" should be safeguarded to a greater extent by the government." says Tobias Andersson to Vejpkollen.
"Actively monitoring the issue"
Johan Forssell, Minister for Foreign Trade, says the issue is also important for the government.
"The Government actively follows and monitors proposals and negotiations at international and EU level that affect the free movement of white snus and the conditions for global trade in white snus." writes Johan Forsell, Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, in his reply to Tobias Andersson and the Riksdag.
The importance of self-determination
However, he adds that all EU countries are largely in control of their legislation on nicotine products.
"Individual Member States should have ample opportunity to shape their public health policies according to their own priorities and preferences. It is particularly urgent to take measures to protect children and young people from the addictive effects of nicotine. The Government's starting point is that the measures taken should be proportionate and aim to protect vulnerable groups such as children and young people."
Cigarettes more of a health hazard
At the same time, Johan Forssell believes that harm-reduction measures in tobacco policy should be safeguarded and refers to the upcoming tax cut on snus, a measure that will be financed by an increase in the tax on cigarettes.
"Cigarettes and smoking tobacco pose a relatively greater health hazard compared to snus. This approach is reflected in the taxation of these products in Sweden, a diversification that the government has further strengthened." writes Johan Forssell.
