gsthr logo
Quick links to detailed datasheets for Sweden at gsthr.org

Smoking in Sweden

In Sweden, Cigarettes use reached 9.9% in 2024, a figure that points to a decrease awareness and accessibility of such products.

Read articles from Sweden

December 12, 2025 by vapingpost.com

From Smoking to Snus and Pouches: The Nordic Blueprint Saving Millions of Lives

Nordic countries have effectively reduced smoking rates by offering safer nicotine alternatives like snus, pouches, vapes, and heated tobacco, leading to a significant decline in smoking. Available data shows that these alternatives do not lead to increased smoking rates. However, Denmark's recent tax proposal on these products contradicts the success of harm reduction strategies, risking a return to smoking. The success in Nordic countries highlights that harm reduction works when affordable alternatives are accessible, contrasting with punitive measures. The EU faces a choice between following evidence-based policies that promote harm reduction or hindering progress by restricting access to safer alternatives.

December 01, 2025 by spectator.co.uk

Nicotine pouches: solution or smokescreen?

In Europe, there is a growing focus on reducing tobacco use through generational smoking bans and stricter regulations. Philip Morris International aims for most of its revenue to come from smoke-free products like Zyn by 2030. A discussion sponsored by PMI explores how nicotine pouches can aid the shift to a smoke-free future, featuring perspectives from their chief communications officer and a Swedish MEP. The conversation delves into whether PMI's motives are genuine or business-driven, lessons from Sweden's smoke-free goals, and the scientific aspects. The Spectator maintains editorial independence in this sponsored podcast.

November 28, 2025 by gulfnews.com

Sweden's experience in innovative alternatives opens doors to a smoke-free future

Sweden's harm reduction strategy led to a 55% decrease in smoking rates, 38% less tobacco-related male deaths, and 41% lower lung cancer rates. The country's unique approach includes promoting less harmful alternatives like nicotine pouches, resulting in 18% usage. Over two decades, a gradual decline in smoking was achieved through awareness campaigns and product availability. Sweden's pioneering model aims for a smoke-free future, with less than 5% of adults smoking. This strategy, based on societal awareness and alternatives rather than bans, could serve as a replicable example for other countries. The focus on harm reduction and public empowerment highlights a practical approach to reducing smoking-related risks globally.

October 21, 2025 by vejpkollen.se

Warns of WHO's plans: "Unelected bureaucrats control Swedish nicotine policy"

WHO is considering stricter regulations on nicotine products, with the Swedish Parliament defending their harm reduction approach. Tobias Andersson emphasizes the importance of Sweden standing up for its policies. Concerns arise as EU and WHO propose measures against e-cigarettes and snus. Andersson advocates for extending Sweden's model internationally. Elisabeth Lann highlights Sweden's low tobacco-related mortality. Transparency issues are raised regarding the upcoming WHO meeting. The debate focuses on harm reduction benefits of snus compared to smoking. The Minister of Health stresses the milder effects of snus. Questions remain on Sweden's stance at the COP11 meeting. The need for clarity on influencing WHO decisions is emphasized.

October 01, 2025 by vejpkollen.se

14 countries on Sweden's side on nicotine tax

The European Commission faces opposition over its record budget due to proposed new nicotine and corporate taxes, prompting 14 member states, led by Sweden, to oppose the plan. Concerns exist about tax revenue distribution, harm reduction perspectives, and market harmonization. The dispute may lead to a budget overhaul to secure necessary support.

September 24, 2025 by smokefreesweden.org

The Safer Nicotine Revolution: Global Lessons, Healthier Futures

The passage highlights that, despite decades of work and major financial investment, smoking continues to kill over 7 million people worldwide each year, and progress in reducing it has stalled in many countries. It argues that current methods are clearly insufficient, and a new strategy is urgently needed. The report suggests that embracing safer nicotine alternatives (SNAs) offers a practical and evidence-based solution, leading to sharp declines in smoking, improved public health, and reduced healthcare expenses.

September 02, 2025 by 2firsts.com

Dr. Ziauddin Islam: Smoke-Free Pakistan — Dream or Reality?

Dr. Ziauddin Islam's article discusses how Pakistan can learn from Sweden's success in becoming the first "smoke-free" nation. By adopting strict policies, harm reduction strategies, and promoting reduced-risk products, Pakistan can work towards reducing its tobacco-related deaths. Sweden's success in lowering smoking rates through evidence-based policies and harm reduction serves as a model for other countries. Pakistan faces challenges in enforcing tobacco control laws and lacks research on harm reduction products. Emulating Sweden's comprehensive approach and promoting public awareness can help Pakistan move towards a smoke-free future. Dr. Islam emphasizes the importance of determination and effective policymaking in combating the tobacco epidemic.

August 25, 2025 by scandasia.com

Swedish experience drives smoke-free future in Asia

Sweden's successful move towards becoming smoke-free is influencing Asia, particularly the Philippines, where Japan Tobacco International (JTI) introduced nicotine pouches. With only 5.4% daily smokers in Sweden, the country attributes this to strict regulations and alternative options. JTI's Nordic Spirit, produced in Sweden, has gained popularity in the Philippines. JTI focuses on former smokers in Sweden, with positive results. The Philippines' familiarity with oral products made Nordic Spirit well-received. JTI tailored the product for the local market with affordable pricing. This initiative competes with other similar products, signaling a potential shift in global tobacco trends and a new direction for Asian markets.

August 11, 2025 by filtermag.org

Pouches Close Sweden’s Tobacco Harm Reduction Gender Gap

Sweden’s use of the oral tobacco product snus has led it towards becoming the world’s first “smoke-free” country (defined as an overall smoking rate below 5 percent). But modern nicotine pouches are accelerating this progress—with women leading the way, highlights a new report.

August 07, 2025 by rollcall.com

Sweden’s Push for Smokeless Products Leads Some to Wonder About Risks

Sweden has long made it a goal to have a smoke-free society, pushing snus and smokeless nicotine products as a safer alternative to cigarettes. Smoking has been the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. for decades, and its effects on public health are well documented. But a strong tobacco and nicotine lobby, combined with gaps in data and long-term research about the safety of smokeless products, have raised questions about whether the means will truly lead to the end.