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

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
Zyn Retailers to Pay $3M Settlement for Violating San Francisco’s Flavored Nicotine Ban
Zyn Retailers to Pay $3M Settlement for Violating San Francisco’s Flavored Nicotine Ban
San Francisco’s City Attorney’s Office has reached a $3 million settlement with three online tobacco retailers accused of illegally selling flavored Zyn nicotine pouches, violating the city’s 2017 ban on flavored tobacco products.
Oct.29
Gallery | InterTabac 2025 Kicks Off with Exclusive Look at ELFBAR, SKE, RELX, VAPORESSO and More
Gallery | InterTabac 2025 Kicks Off with Exclusive Look at ELFBAR, SKE, RELX, VAPORESSO and More
The InterTabac 2025 exhibition in Dortmund, Germany, is officially underway. 2Firsts is on the ground, providing an exclusive photo gallery that highlights the booth designs of various exhibitors while offering in-depth analysis of show dynamics, industry trends, and brand highlights.
Sep.18
The Mexican president has submitted a reform proposal to Congress, proposing a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers
The Mexican president has submitted a reform proposal to Congress, proposing a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo submitted a proposal to reform the General Health Law to the President of the House of Representatives, Kenia López Rabadán. The core content of the proposal is to ban e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and similar devices to protect public health. In early 2025, a congressional standing committee confirmed the constitutional validity of the health reform.
Sep.28
Firstunion Dual Heating System HTP “Biheat” Launches at InterTabac, Germany
Firstunion Dual Heating System HTP “Biheat” Launches at InterTabac, Germany
CFU launched the Biheat HTP series at InterTabac in Germany, featuring the world’s first dual-heating system combined with AI control and a 3.42-inch display, enabling multi-dimensional collaborative heating and personalized temperature adjustment, with each stick delivering over 40% more puffs than traditional solutions.
Sep.18
South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai