Spain is defending its planned restrictions on nicotine pouches tooth and nail against EU countries that have protested against what it calls a "de facto" ban.
At the same time, there are indications that France, which also wants to ban white snus, is likely to back down and consider tough but clear regulation instead.
This spring, the debate around white snus, nicotine pouches, and the growing popularity of these products on the European continent has come to a head. In countries such as Sweden and Norway, but also Finland, the use of smokeless nicotine has steadily increased as smoking has declined. In 2021, nicotine pouches were regulated with age limits and product standards in Sweden. At the same time, use is increasing among younger people and the debate between Swedish anti-tobacco groups, users and manufacturers has been raging ever since.
Sweden protested loudly
But in more southern climes, nicotine pouches have only recently become a hot political issue. In France, where nearly 25 per cent of the population smokes, the government announced a total ban on white snus. The French government claims that nicotine pouches contain dangerously high doses of nicotine and also encourage young people to become addicted. This was seen as justification for a total ban. The Swedish government, for its part, protested against the decision.
"Nicotine is not a health product. But if cigarettes are allowed to be sold in all shops, it should be natural that much less harmful nicotine products such as nicotine pouches should also be available there," said Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade. Benjamin Dousa when the Swedish government submitted its detailed comments on the French ban proposal.
Proposals for regulation instead
Now, however, it seems that the political winds have changed in France. According to several sources, alternative proposals to the total ban are circulating in parliament. The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) stakeholder organisation notes that many French politicians have highlighted the need for regulation and harm minimisation as a more realistic way forward.
Expected to defend itself in August
Recently, AFNOR, a French organisation that works with both ministries and industry on sustainability and market issues, also presented a proposal for sectoral regulation of nicotine pouches. These are similar to the Swedish legislation on product safety and age limits, with the addition of limiting the nicotine content of the pouches to 16.6 mg per pouch, according to Tobacco Reporter.
France has until 25 August to respond to the Swedish and other countries' objections to the ban. In that response, it is expected to explain why a total ban would be better than regulation.
Spain still sees red
While France seems to be backing away from the ban, Spain is sticking to its decision to limit the nicotine content of pouches to a level that would effectively ban them. And according to the Spanish government, it has considered different nicotine levels, ranging from 20 mg per pouch to 4, but still decided that 0.99 is "the right thing to do". The government cites the risk of "overdoses" and consequences for people with heart problems. The response to the Swedish protest was submitted at the end of July 2025.
"Engaging in cherry picking"
According to Patrik Strömer, Secretary General of the Snus Manufacturers' Association, the Spanish government has engaged in "cherry picking" when preparing the scientific basis for the response.
"For example, they claim that nicotine causes cancer, which is grossly inaccurate and misleading. In the end, this is just ideological posturing, not serious public health policy. If Spain really wanted to protect its citizens, they would copy Sweden's evidence-based regulation - not ban the products that actually help people quit smoking," he said in Snusforumet, the online magazine of the Snus Manufacturers Association.
"A legal grey area"
According to Patrik Strömer, the Spanish behaviour could become a case for the European Court of Justice.
"Nicotine pouches are currently still in a legal grey area. If Spain ignores Sweden's objections and goes ahead with realising the proposed restrictions, the issue could end up before the European Commission or the European Court of Justice. This is not just about white snus, but about Europe's choice: do you want to reduce smoking - or just pretend you do?" says Patrik Strömer.
Confusing nicotine with cannabis
The Spanish government also wants to severely restrict the market for e-cigarettes with a comprehensive ban on flavourings. Here too, the government refers to the risk of harm, in particular so-called EVALI - a condition exclusively linked to vejpa cannabis and the oil-like substance e-acetate. According to several scientific institutions, it is important to clearly communicate the differences between THC-vejps and nicotinevejps, especially in terms of legislation, which Vejpkollen reported on several occasions. This does not seem to have taken root in the Spanish argumentation.
