A coalition of eight EU health ministers, spearheaded by Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans, has penned a letter urging the European Commission to grant member states the authority to impose bans on nicotine pouches. The letter, co-signed by ministers from Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia, and Spain, targets the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
Addressed to Health Commissioner Olívér Várhelyi, the letter advocates for outright bans on nicotine pouches, stringent nicotine limits, a full flavor ban, and standardized packaging across all products. It aims to curb the tobacco industry’s ability to launch new products through marketing tactics and claims of reduced harm, with the ultimate goal of achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040 and eliminating nicotine addiction in the EU.
Advertising and Environmental Concerns
The proposal extends to banning nicotine product advertising, including devices and social media content shared by influencers and creators. It also shows the environmental impact of such products, calling for stricter regulations in this area.
The ministers label nicotine pouches as a workaround to the EU’s snus ban and dismiss claims of their effectiveness in smoking cessation as “unfounded.” However, Considerate Pouchers counters this, pointing to Sweden’s success, where nicotine pouches are permitted and the smoking rate stands at 5%, the lowest in the EU.
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Juan Taborcía, global spokesperson for Considerate Pouchers, said: “Eight health ministers are asking the Commission for the power to ban nicotine pouches. However, Sweden – which allows them – has the lowest smoking rate in the EU. So the question for these ministers is simple – what’s their plan for smokers who switch back?”
Taborcía said he quit smoking with nicotine pouches and believes that if they had been banned, he would still be smoking. He also stated that adults who switched to nicotine pouches are evidence that switching works.
Taborcía added: “I quit smoking with nicotine pouches. If they had been banned back then, I honestly think I’d still be smoking,” and “Adults who switched are not using a loophole. We’re the evidence that switching works. “The Commission has a choice. It can learn from the countries cutting smoking or listen to the ones asking for permission to ban the alternatives.” Meanwhile, Portugal’s parliament is considering legislation that would permit nicotine pouches up to 12mg, with restrictions on sales to minors.
