The Swedish government has formally opposed France’s proposed ban on nicotine pouches.
Following a similar legal challenge earlier this year against Spanish legislation to restrict nicotine pouches, Sweden has submitted a ‘Detailed Opinion’ to the European Union (EU) contesting France’s draft decree.
The proposed French ban would prohibit nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, with exceptions only for medicinal nicotine and chewing tobacco.
Under the new law, which would apply later this year, anyone caught with the products could face a jail term of five years. They would be regarded as “venomous substances” under the French Public Health Code due to their high nicotine content.
French Courts would also have the power to impose fines of up to €375.000 to anyone caught with nicotine pouches, even if it’s for their own use. Meanwhile the maximum fine for using narcotics like cocaine and heroin is just €3,750.
Sweden’s success story
Nicotine pouches have been a cornerstone of Sweden’s public health success story. Thanks to widespread use of pouches and other smoke-free alternatives such as vapes, Sweden now boasts the world’s lowest smoking rate.
According to global health campaign group Smoke Free Sweden, Swedish men have a lung cancer death rate that is 61 per cent lower than the European average, and overall cancer mortality is 34 per cent below the EU norm.
“Sweden must be applauded for standing up for its harm reduction model and defending the rights of adult consumers across Europe,” said Dr. Delon Human, global health expert and leader of Smoke Free Sweden. “Their continued advocacy shows a commitment to public health through innovation, not prohibition.”
Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa, who is spearheading the latest challenge, emphasised the importance of protecting consumer choice and supporting the domestic business sector.
“We are sending a clear signal to other EU countries that we will stand up for our own business sector and for our users,” Dousa said.
Freedom of choice
“All EU countries have the right to regulate nicotine pouches, which Sweden has done responsibly – setting age limits, marketing rules, and warning labels. Ultimately, it’s about freedom of choice.”
Sweden’s approach contrasts sharply with France’s proposed ban, which harm reduction experts see as overly restrictive and counterproductive to targets for reducing smoking.
While France aims to eliminate all non-medicinal oral nicotine products, Sweden advocates for balanced regulation that minimises youth access while supporting adult smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives.
Dr. Human added: “Smoke-free nicotine alternatives are key to achieving a healthier, smoke-free Europe. Sweden’s stance defends national interests and the fundamental principles of harm reduction and consumer freedom.
“We urge policymakers across Europe to consider the data from Sweden, where safer alternatives have driven smoking rates down. This is the model for the future – sensible regulation that protects youth and supports adults in quitting smoking.”
Smoking rates: Sweden v France
A recent report from Smoke Free Sweden compared the prohibitive tobacco control policies of France with the Swedes’ more regulatory approach. It highlighted how Sweden’s embrace of nicotine alternatives, such as vapes and snus, had resulted in a smoking rate below five per cent, Meanwhile in France, a massive 25 per cent of adults still smoke.
