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Why is snus banned in the EU?

What the EU ban says, what the Court of Justice decided and why Sweden is exempt.

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Short answer

EU law prohibits placing snus on the market because tobacco for oral use is harmful to health, addictive and attractive to young people, according to the EU Court of Justice. Sweden is exempt because of the traditional use of snus there. The Court confirmed the ban was valid on 22 November 2018. This topic is for adults aged 18 and over.

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Why

  1. According to Article 17 of Directive 2014/40/EU, as quoted by the Court of Justice, member states shall prohibit the placing on the market of tobacco for oral use, without prejudice to Article 151 of the Act of Accession.
  2. According to the Court of Justice judgment of 22 November 2018 (Case C-151/17), tobacco products for oral use remain harmful to health, are addictive and are attractive to young people.
  3. According to the Court of Justice, Sweden is exempt from the prohibition on account of the traditional use which is made of snus in that country.

Details

The Court also noted that such products are especially liable to encourage young people who are not yet tobacco users to become consumers, and that they are particularly dangerous for minors because their consumption is hardly noticeable. The directive's recital 32 says the ban is maintained to prevent the introduction in the Union, apart from Sweden, of a product that is addictive and has adverse health effects. For what the rules mean for travellers, see can you take snus abroad and is snus allowed in France.

Tip

Check the customs rules of the country you travel to before packing snus, because the rules differ from country to country. The Swedish rules on who may buy snus are in snus tax and the age limit.

What may differ

The prohibition applies to EU member states other than Sweden. Countries outside the EU, such as Norway, set their own rules, see how much snus you can take to Norway.

Common misconception

The EU has banned snus in every member state, Sweden included.

What actually happens

According to the Court of Justice, Sweden is exempt from the prohibition on account of the traditional use of snus there, and Article 17 itself is worded without prejudice to Article 151 of the Act of Accession.

People also ask

  • Why is snus illegal in the EU?
  • Why can Sweden sell snus when the EU bans it?

Sources

Information checked on 27 October 2026.

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