STOCKHOLM (May 22, 2025) — The Swedish government on Thursday submitted a formal objection to France’s proposed ban on white snus, calling the measure a serious threat to the free movement of goods in the European Union’s single market.
The proposal, submitted by France under the EU’s Notification Directive for technical regulations, would prohibit the production, sale, and possession of white snus across French territory — a move Swedish officials say targets an important domestic industry and violates core EU principles.
“Several countries are increasing their efforts to ban white snus, first Spain and now France,” said Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. “The Swedish Government will not stand by and watch an important Swedish industry being restricted. We support Swedish snus customers and the EU Single Market.”
White snus — a form of tobacco-free nicotine pouch modeled after traditional Swedish snus — has grown rapidly in popularity across Europe in recent years, particularly as a harm-reduction alternative to smoking. While tobacco-containing snus remains banned in the EU outside Sweden, white snus products have until now remained legal.
The Swedish government said the French proposal is “far-reaching” and warned that it could set a precedent for arbitrary national restrictions that fragment the EU’s internal market.
“The Government considers that the proposal risks seriously damaging free movement within the EU,” the Ministry for Foreign Trade said in a statement. “An efficient internal market is a core value for the Swedish Government.”
The government’s detailed opinion, filed as part of the EU technical regulation consultation process, argues that France’s blanket ban fails to adequately consider the principle of proportionality and the potential trade barriers it would create. It also calls for further EU-level coordination before such restrictions are enacted.
Sweden is the only EU country exempt from the ban on tobacco snus, due to a special protocol secured during its accession to the Union in 1995. While that exemption does not extend to white snus, Swedish policymakers have been vocal in defending nicotine pouch products as both a legitimate export and a public health tool.
The government’s objection now triggers a pause in the French legislative process while the European Commission and other Member States evaluate the potential market implications.
Dousa said Sweden will continue to defend its interests and those of Swedish consumers and manufacturers.
“This is not just about snus — it’s about standing up for free movement, fair competition, and the integrity of the single market,” he said.
