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

Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
The High Court in Bangladesh has asked government bodies to explain why the approval granted to Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch factory should not be deemed illegal. Petitioners argue the decision contradicts existing policies and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling that restricts new tobacco-related enterprises. Authorities have ten days to respond.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish Retailers Urge Government to Fast-Track Nicotine Pouch Regulations
Scottish Retailers Urge Government to Fast-Track Nicotine Pouch Regulations
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is calling on the government to clarify the regulatory framework for nicotine pouches in order to prevent high-strength and illegal products from entering the market, stressing that these products should not be targeted at minors.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
Nearly £600,000 worth of illegal goods were seized in coordinated raids across West Yorkshire as part of Operation Machinize, a nationwide crackdown targeting cash-intensive businesses suspected of laundering money through mini-markets, vape shops, and barbershops.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco launches third limited-edition Ploom AURA color “Aqua Green,” rolling out nationwide in December
Japan Tobacco launches third limited-edition Ploom AURA color “Aqua Green,” rolling out nationwide in December
Japan Tobacco (JT) announced that its heated tobacco device Ploom AURA will introduce a new limited-edition “Aqua Green” color in December. As the third release in JT’s 2025 limited series, the model will be available through official channels from December 1 and will roll out to convenience stores and selected tobacco retailers nationwide starting December 9.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ARAC to 2Firsts | FDA’s Nicotine Pouch Pilot: What Hasn’t Changed Matters Most
ARAC to 2Firsts | FDA’s Nicotine Pouch Pilot: What Hasn’t Changed Matters Most
In a contribution to 2Firsts, U.S. regulatory consultancy ARAC analyzes the FDA’s nicotine pouch PMTA pilot, cautioning that core evidentiary standards remain unchanged. The firm warns against overinterpreting the pilot and urges companies to act now rather than wait for uncertain regulatory shifts.
Oct.21
AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
Showcased at PouchEx Stockholm, AIRSCREAM’s end-to-end OEM ecosystem demonstrates how brands can enter the fast-growing European nicotine pouch market with greater speed, confidence, and regulatory readiness.
Dec.04