The NNA’s snus ban challenge – What’s next?

On the 26th of January, the organization appealed to the High Court in London, asking “for permission to act as an independent intervenor in the Swedish Match application to challenge the ban on snus”.

Snus is a moist powder tobacco product that is placed under the upper lip for extended periods. It is considered as an effective harm reduction product which has helped thousands quit smoking and is extremely popular in Norway and Sweden, in fact the popularity of snus has led to these two countries reporting the lowest rates of lung cancer in Europe.

 

“E-cigarettes are having a major impact, but they don’t work for everyone in all circumstances. We want to see wide availability of all safer nicotine products as alternatives to smoking.” said Chair for the NNA, Professor Gerry Stimson back in January. He had added that increasing the variety of harm reduction products, increases the likelihood for smokers to find the method that most suits them, hence optimizing their chances of quitting.

The NNA’s request had been accepted hence they have intervened as a third party by submittirng their own plea to the European Court of Justice, pointing out the benefits that would come about as a result of the snus ban lift.

Let your views be heard

“We anticipate that the next stage will take months, so we don’t expect to have any more news for some time. However, we do know that the EU member states will eventually have the opportunity to submit their views and it will be crucial for consumers to tell their governments how they feel about the snus ban.” said the NNA