Danish Study Warns Proposed Nicotine Pouch Regulations Could Drive Up Smoking Rates, Economic Losses

Dec.05.2024
Danish Study Warns Proposed Nicotine Pouch Regulations Could Drive Up Smoking Rates, Economic Losses
A study reveals that Denmark's proposed nicotine pouch regulations may undermine the country's progress in reducing smoking rates since 2018 and predicts that by 2030, the Danish retail industry could lose up to $85 million.

On December 4, the American Tholos Foundation announced a groundbreaking study in collaboration with IPSOS and Harvard Business School Economics that reveals the risks of Denmark's proposed regulation to limit the nicotine content in pouches to 9 milligrams per pouch.

 

A study shows that if the proposal is implemented, half (50%) of current nicotine pouch users will choose other purchasing channels, including online platforms or buying across the borders of other EU countries; one-fifth (18%) of users may switch back to smoking; the proposal also threatens Denmark's achievement of reducing smoking rates from 19% in 2018 to 14% by 2023.

 

A study has found that three-quarters (75%) of users choose nicotine pouches for health reasons, primarily to reduce or quit smoking; one-third (33%) of adults believe these products are a safer alternative to cigarettes; proposed restrictions could severely undermine strategies to reduce smoking rates.

 

According to the study, if the new regulations are implemented, the retail industry in Denmark could lose 400 million Danish kroner (approximately 57 million US dollars) by 2025, with this loss potentially increasing to 600 million Danish kroner (85 million US dollars) by 2030. It is estimated that tax revenue will decrease from 296 million Danish kroner (42 million US dollars) in 2025 to 435 million Danish kroner (62 million US dollars) in 2030.

 

More than half of Danish adults oppose the proposed restrictions on nicotine, with 80% of users believing that nicotine pouches are crucial for keeping them away from cigarettes.

 

"These findings underscore the potential for significant consequences in terms of public health," said the Tholos Foundation's Director of Consumer Issues, Tim Andrews. 

 

"The proposed nicotine limit in nicotine pouches risks reversing hard-won progress in reducing smoking while creating new challenges, including black market growth and substantial economic losses."

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco Products
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco Products
The Oregon Senate voted 26–1 to pass Senate Bill 1571, a measure redefining tobacco products to include nicotine pouches and restricting their sale to individuals under 21.
Regulations
Feb.23
Special Report | 71 U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Elevate Illicit Vape Crackdown to U.S.–China Trade Negotiations
Special Report | 71 U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Elevate Illicit Vape Crackdown to U.S.–China Trade Negotiations
U.S. Rep.Mike Carey and 70 other Republican lawmakers have urged federal officials to elevate the crackdown on illicit vapes to the U.S.–China trade agenda. In a March 4 letter to the Treasury Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative, they warned that unauthorized vape products pose risks related to national security, youth protection and organized crime. The signatories represent about one-third of House Republicans, highlighting growing congressional attention to illicit vape trade.
Mar.10
Glas Says FDA Scientific Review Backed Several Flavored Products Before Senior Leaders Blocked Them
Glas Says FDA Scientific Review Backed Several Flavored Products Before Senior Leaders Blocked Them
Glas says newly released internal FDA records show agency scientific reviewers supported authorization for several flavored G2 products before senior leadership halted them. According to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, FDA’s Office of Science first recommended marketing authorization for all eight products in December 2025 and later supported six of them in February 2026. FDA ultimately authorized only the G2 device and one tobacco-flavored pod in March.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Isle of Wight councillors raise concerns about youth vaping; one says it may be seen “akin to asbestos”
Isle of Wight councillors raise concerns about youth vaping; one says it may be seen “akin to asbestos”
Concerns about the effects of vaping on young people and public health were raised at County Hall, the report said, with Cllr Chris Jarman saying it may one day be viewed as “akin to asbestos.” Jarman cited NHS-related research and a case highlighted by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: a 15-year-old admitted with chest pain and breathing difficulty who reported cannabis use and vaping about 500 puffs per day and was diagnosed via CT with “air leak syndrome.”
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
According to the Nizhny Novgorod regional government, 550 stores in the region have voluntarily removed vapes and e-liquids from their product assortments. Regional officials said a public offer encouraging businesses to self-restrict vape sales has been in place since September 2025, and that a large retail chain with more than 40 outlets in Nizhny Novgorod joined the initiative. The regional government also said a federal ban on vape sales is expected in the near future.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
According to the United Russia Nizhny Novgorod branch website, Nizhny Novgorod City Duma deputy chair Mikhail Ivanov (Mikhail Ivanov) spoke to students at School No. 78 about the harms of vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine-free liquids, stressing that such topics should be discussed with children “honestly” and “only with facts.”
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai