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

NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
NSW Landlords Could Face Jail or $165,000 Fine for Allowing Illegal Vape and Tobacco Sales
According to The Guardian, landlords in New South Wales who knowingly allow tenants to sell illicit tobacco or illegal vapes could face fines of up to AUD 165,000, a year in prison, or both. The new offences are part of the state government’s broader crackdown on Australia’s growing black market for cigarettes and vaping products.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian state of Selangor proposes sharing e-cigarette tax revenue with federal government for local enforcement agencies
Malaysian state of Selangor proposes sharing e-cigarette tax revenue with federal government for local enforcement agencies
Selangor, Malaysia proposes federal government share e-cigarette tax revenues for local enforcement, suggesting collaboration for better regulation.
Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Magnetic-attach design + mini display: FASTA’s new product goes on sale in the U.S., priced around $16
Product | Magnetic-attach design + mini display: FASTA’s new product goes on sale in the U.S., priced around $16
FASTA’s 40K Kit hits U.S. retailers: magnetic prefilled pods + reusable battery, mini display, two power levels; rated 20 mL/40,000 puffs/50 mg; some listings at $15.99.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Luxembourg Passes Bill 8333: Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches Regulated
Luxembourg Passes Bill 8333: Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches Regulated
Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies adopted Bill No. 8333, transposing EU Directive 2022/2100 and extending tobacco controls to heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The law bans flavourings, restricts sales to minors, and caps nicotine content at 0.048 mg per pouch. CBD and caffeine additives are prohibited.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced that it will extend its partnerships with Scuderia Ferrari HP and the Ferrari Challenge through the 2026 season and beyond, with its smoke-free nicotine pouch brand ZYN set to appear on Ferrari’s F1 livery for the first time from the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The company estimates that, as of June 30, 2025, more than 41 million adult consumers were using its smoke-free products worldwide.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Launches glo Hilo in Italy, Plans to Add 16 Local Production Lines to Support Mass Manufacturing and Export
BAT Launches glo Hilo in Italy, Plans to Add 16 Local Production Lines to Support Mass Manufacturing and Export
BAT Italy has launched the new heated tobacco device glo Hilo in Milan, with sticks 100% made in Italy. The company plans to add 16 new production lines at its Trieste hub to support manufacturing and exports, as part of a €500 million investment in Italy’s next-generation tobacco sector.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai