Snus is a moist powder tobacco product that is placed under the upper lip for extended periods. It is mostly popular in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where it is legal and considered an effective harm reduction product. In fact, snus has not only led to Sweden boasting the lowest smoking rates in Europe, but more importantly, also to reporting the lowest rates of lung cancer across the continent.
Similarly, nicotine pouches are tea bag-like pouches which are placed under the upper lip for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on one’s preferred nicotine dose. However while similar to snus, the pouches have the added benefit of being tobacco-free, odour-free, and unlike snuff they do not require spitting.
New categories attracting new bans and regulations
These relatively new categories within the tobacco market have been growing in popularity and are therefore also attracting new bans and regulations. The podcast by TobaccoIntelligence, discussed these two markets, addressing the main drivers behind their growth and the main difference between them.
Joining Jon Bruford to explore these questions, Tim Phillips mentioned the evolving complex nature of regulatory frameworks, as lawmakers struggle to keep up with the innovations in these markets. Phillips also discussed factors such as flavours and nicotine strength in relation to consumer preferences, as well as emerging markets, developments and challenges.
Varying regulatory frameworks
In other news, New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill which went into effect in November 2020, banned amongst other things nicotine pouches.
Meanwhile in Europe, Sweden is the only EU country which allows snus. The EU-wide ban on the product is also in place in the UK. Interestingly, the US which lags behind the UK in terms of harm reduction where it comes to vaping, is in this case one step ahead and has categorized snus as “appropriate for the protection of public health.”
