Unhealthy products, gambling ads, and e-scooters are high on Swedes’ wish list of what the state should regulate more strictly. But few have problems with snus.

A survey recently conducted by Demoskop on behalf of Swedish Match reveals what the Swedish people think about how the state regulates a number of areas.

Of the 3,375 people who responded to the survey, 41 percent thought that the state should regulate unhealthy products to improve public health at the same level as it does today, even if it impacts on personal freedom, while 36 percent thought that regulations should be stricter.

“Swedes seem to like regulations, perhaps mostly those that they think only affect others,” says Patrik Strömer, Secretary General of the Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers.

Few have a negative view of snus

More than half of all those who took part in the survey indicate they would prefer to see a completely tobacco-free society.

At the same time, few had a negative view of snus. Only four percent of those surveyed believed that snus should be regulated more strictly.

“It’s a sign that Swedes primarily think of smoking when they say they want a tobacco-free society. There is also a reason that Sweden has among the lowest percentage of tobacco-related deaths in the whole of Europe, and that is that snus is a much less dangerous alternative to cancer-causing cigarettes,” says Strömer. 

So what do the Swedes want to regulate harder? The survey shows that they most of all would like to see tougher measures on advertising for gambling, followed by instant loans, littering, and smoking.

Electric scooters are particularly disliked among the elderly. Compared with all other groups, there are significantly more people over 65 who want stricter regulations for electric scooters.

How is snus regulated in Sweden today?

• Snus that contains tobacco falls under both the Tobacco Act and the Food Act.
• Snus is taxed at SEK 459/kg.
• From 1 November 2019, a permit has been required to sell tobacco products.
• Tobacco products may not be sold or given to persons under 18 years of age.
• Marketing may only take place in connection with points of sale.
• Tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine but not tobacco, do not fall under either the Tobacco Act or the Food Act.