EU tobacco rules might be changing, affecting how they deal with products like snus and nicotine pouches. The European Parliament just voted for a strategy that supports a science-backed harm reduction approach.

The European Parliament has made a decisive move in favor of harm reduction in its approach to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and EU tobacco regulation. This development, highlighted in the recent Plenary vote on the NCD report, could significantly impact the EU’s stance on snus, nicotine pouches and other alternatives.

EU tobacco regulation: parliament for evidence-based strategy

The Parliament’s report stresses the importance of evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention. It advocates for an approach grounded in scientific research, especially concerning new tobacco and nicotine products. This indicates a shift towards more nuanced regulatory practices, focusing on the actual risks and benefits of these products.

Implications for snus and nicotine pouch regulation

The report’s emphasis on harm reduction principles signals a potential change in how the EU regulates snus and nicotine pouches. Unlike traditional tobacco products, snus and nicotine pouches do not involve combustion or inhalation, presenting a possibly lower risk profile. This parliamentary stance could lead to more balanced regulations that recognize the relative risks of different tobacco products.

The need for holistic public health strategies in EU tobacco regulation

With NCDs being a major public health concern in the EU, the report calls for a comprehensive approach to prevention, including harm reduction. This perspective aligns with broader public health goals and acknowledges the diverse range of health risk factors.

A call for community engagement for safer tobacco in EU

Snusforumet encourages the tobacco harm reduction community to engage with European Parliament candidates to ensure continued support for harm reduction strategies. With potential changes post-2024 elections, understanding candidates’ positions on this issue is crucial for shaping future tobacco policies.

“It’s great to see the EU Parliament making smarter choices. The EU shifting to real, fact-based rules instead of old myths is a big leap forward. The evidence-based approach is key for safer tobacco use,” says Patrik Strömer, Head of Swedish Snus Manufacturer Association.