Sweden blocks EU pouch tax hike to protect its smoke-free status
June 09, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Sweden blocks EU pouch tax hike to protect its smoke-free status
Sweden’s move to block the EU nicotine pouch tax hike puts harm reduction at the centre of Europe’s tobacco policy debate. With one of the lowest smoking rates in the EU, Sweden argues that smoke-free alternatives should not be taxed in the same way as cigarettes. Raising prices on lower-risk products risks weakening the incentive for smokers to switch away from combustible tobacco. Evidence-based regulation should protect Sweden’s progress, not make cigarettes more competitive.
9.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 867,000 current smokers in Sweden 11.70% of men are current smokers but only 8.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
