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

Costa Rica Ruling Party Lawmaker Proposes Vape Ban as Experts Warn of Black Market Risks
Costa Rica Ruling Party Lawmaker Proposes Vape Ban as Experts Warn of Black Market Risks
A lawmaker from Costa Rica’s ruling party has introduced a bill to completely ban e-cigarettes and related products, covering their import, sale, use, and manufacturing, citing rising youth use and associated health risks. The proposal would repeal the current regulatory law and has raised concerns that a full ban, combined with weak enforcement, could fuel a black market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed introducing mandatory labelling for electronic cigarettes and other electronic devices used to consume nicotine, starting April 1, 2026. The draft resolution has been published on the regulatory portal. Under the proposal, market participants would be required to register with the national monitoring system and label products accordingly, as part of efforts to enhance state oversight of production and circulation.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco (JT) is adding four new EVO variants for its Ploom heated tobacco range—Green Mint, Cacao Mint Crystal, Tropical Lime Crystal and Sakura Regular—set to launch in two waves on Jan. 22 and Feb. 3. The initial release will be via the CLUB JT online store and Ploom retail stores.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand Seizes Over 42,000 Illegal Vapes Worth USD 340,000
Thailand Seizes Over 42,000 Illegal Vapes Worth USD 340,000
Thai authorities announced the seizure of more than 42,000 smuggled vapes worth approximately THB 10.87 million (USD 340,000).
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
In correspondence with 20isPlenty campaigners, the government agreed nicotine pouches are likely to pose lower health risks than smoking and confirmed they are a harm reduction tool, while warning about their high nicotine content, fast absorption and potential to be flavoured.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia's Finance Ministry Proposes Regional Vape Sales Bans from 2026
Russia's Finance Ministry Proposes Regional Vape Sales Bans from 2026
Russian Finance Ministry has drafted amendments allowing regional governments to ban the retail sale of vapes and e-liquids between September 1, 2026, and September 1, 2031. Regions must enact their own legislation and notify the Federal Service for Alcohol and Tobacco Control (Rosalkogoltabakkontrol), which will publish a list of participating regions.
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai