Smoking in Sweden
The overall smoking prevalence in Sweden has been going down since 2000. In 2017, Sweden had the lowest smoking prevalence of any country in Europe at 5%. Smoked tobacco, as a form of nicotine delivery, has been displaced in Sweden by a type of pasteurised oral tobacco called snus, which is less harmful than combustible tobacco. The prevalence of snus use overtook the prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst men in 1996. Sweden is also one of the few countries where the prevalence of daily smoking has previously been higher in women than in men. In 2004 daily smoking for women was 19% but 14% for men. The most recent data show there were 10,514 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 5,300 women and 5,200 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 11.15% (women: 11.1%; and men: 11.2%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Sweden and there are 92,200 vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 1.1%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and they can only be sold to those aged 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products are legal but cannot be marketed. Snus is allowed and is regulated as a consumer product, it can be imported for personal use and it can also be bought online. A health warning is required on packaging and it can only be bought by those aged 18 and over, but there are no restrictions on flavour range or nicotine content. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in Sweden is worth €85.3 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Read articles from Sweden
April 17, 2024 by londonlovesbusiness.com
Swedish ‘snus tax’ is a game changer in tobacco harm reduction policies
The Swedish government's plan to reduce tax on snus by 20% and increase taxes on cigarettes by 9% has been praised by international experts for recognizing the lower health risks of snus. Sweden aims to become smoke-free, with smoking rates just above 5%, due to the availability and support for alternative products like nicotine pouches and snus. Compared to the EU average, Sweden has significantly fewer tobacco-related deaths. The government's strategy aligns with harm reduction principles, with experts applauding Sweden's leadership in promoting safer alternatives to combat the negative effects of smoking.
March 12, 2024 by thelocal.se
Swedish word of the day: snus
Snus, a form of tobacco popular in Sweden since the 16th century, is used by placing it under the upper lip. Originally snuff-like, it now comes in pouches, known as portionssnus. Swedish Match dominates the market. Snus helped reduce smoking rates in Sweden but faces controversy due to its growing popularity among non-smokers and young women. Despite being banned in the EU, Sweden secured the right to produce and sell snus upon joining. It plays a role in Swedish culture, even appearing in literature. Snus is illegal in the EU, but some tobacco-free versions are available.
February 22, 2024 by pouchpatrol.com
Swedish Minister for Public Health – a knight in shining armour for European ex-smokers
Swedish Minister for Public Health highlighted the health risks of cigarettes vs. snus in Parliament, stressing the need to diversify taxation. Defending snus, he addressed maintaining the sale of tobacco-free pouches in the market and emphasized protecting children from nicotine. Pouch Patrol praised the Minister's stance and urged EU Health Ministers to consider Sweden's approach, aiming for a smoke-free nation. The Minister's arguments align with WHO's goal, positioning Sweden as a leader in tobacco control.
November 07, 2023 by youtube.com
Global Experts Weigh In: Sweden's Road to a Smoke-Free Nation
Join us in an exploration as international health experts and advocates from across the globe converge to discuss Sweden's groundbreaking approach to achieving a smoke-free society. In this video, we delve into the perspectives of non-Swedish professionals who have witnessed Sweden’s exceptional tactics in reducing smoking prevalence to under 5 percent — a feat unparalleled in most countries.