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

Product | Labeled “Built in the USA” Up to 60,000 Puffs: DOJO PUREX 60K Launches on U.S. Sales Channels
Product | Labeled “Built in the USA” Up to 60,000 Puffs: DOJO PUREX 60K Launches on U.S. Sales Channels
DOJO unveiled the PUREX 60K e-cigarette at TPE 2026 held in Las Vegas, United States. The product is labeled “Built in the USA,” supports up to 60,000 puffs, and features 16ml e-liquid capacity, a 1000mAh battery, and ECO and SMART output modes. It has gone live on DOJO’s official website and select U.S. online sales channels at a price of $18.99.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The new regulations on nicotine in Argentina are creating caution, expectations, and doubts about the market, according to a local reference in harm reduction for smoking.
The new regulations on nicotine in Argentina are creating caution, expectations, and doubts about the market, according to a local reference in harm reduction for smoking.
The new Argentine framework for tobacco and nicotine marks a shift from prohibition towards registration, traceability, and health surveillance. Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and some of the commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, although concerns remain about flavors, registration costs, and market access.
May.11
Virginia Attorney General Backs Vape Enforcement Act Limiting Sales to FDA-Authorized or Pending Products
Virginia Attorney General Backs Vape Enforcement Act Limiting Sales to FDA-Authorized or Pending Products
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is backing new vape enforcement legislation that he said would do more than warn people about the dangers of vaping. The proposal would tighten rules on which products can be sold and increase enforcement aimed at keeping vapes out of the hands of young people.
Mar.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Adds 18 Tobacco Harmful Constituents and Seeks Comment on 3 More
FDA Adds 18 Tobacco Harmful Constituents and Seeks Comment on 3 More
U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a Federal Register notice finalizing the addition of 18 constituents to the established list of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents in tobacco products. With the update, the list now contains 111 constituents. FDA also proposed adding three more constituents to the list and opened a public comment period ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 26, 2026.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry is advancing a new bill to tax e-cigarettes, tobacco pouches and nicotine pouches. According to the report, once approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, the initiative would only require the signature of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take effect. The plan would lower the tax on vape liquid while introducing new taxes on vape devices and on tobacco and nicotine pouches.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Al Fakher Enters the Oral Nicotine Market With Four Flavors
Al Fakher Enters the Oral Nicotine Market With Four Flavors
Al Fakher has launched nicotine pouches, marking the world’s leading hookah brand’s entry into the modern oral nicotine category.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai