Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives

Oct.23.2023
Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives
Swedish tobacco research institute urges WHO to focus on Sweden's success in reducing smoking-related deaths with smoke-free alternatives.

In recent news, a recent research paper published by the Institute of Tobacco Studies in Sweden (ITS) has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to take note of Sweden's successful large-scale transition to smokeless alternative products in order to reduce global smoking-related deaths.


According to the paper, the best example comes from Sweden, where the male smoking rate is the lowest in the European Union, hence resulting in the lowest tobacco-related mortality rate.


The Swedish Tobacco Research Institute (ITS) recently published a paper highlighting its successful experiences in reducing global smoking-related mortality rates. The paper calls on the World Health Organization (WHO) to shift its focus towards smokeless alternatives. This paper has been published on Qeios and is available for download.


The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Lars M. Ramström, who has previously served as an expert for the World Health Organization and as the Secretary-General of international conferences on smoking and health issues.


According to the paper, "The WHO needs to employ all evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco-related mortality." The paper also emphasizes that harm reduction is one of the three pillars of tobacco control measures and without it, the measures advocated by the WHO to reduce demand and supply will be ineffective.


In addition, this study also brings to the attention of the World Health Organization the experiences of countries like Sweden, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand. The study emphasizes that in Japan, a significant number of smokers have shifted towards heated tobacco products, resulting in a decline in smoking rates from approximately 20% in 2014 to 13% in 2019.


The paper ultimately urges the World Health Organization to base their tobacco policies on scientific evidence and to follow the example of Sweden.


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

RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue
RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue
RLX Technology (NYSE: RLX) has been removed from the FTSE All-World Index, effective September 21. FTSE Russell records show RLX was already part of its global equity index universe by 2022, when its American depositary receipts were classified as China Large Cap securities. Trading volume rose to about 44.77 million shares on September 18, roughly 23 times the previous session's volume. RLX reported RMB1.0105 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 14.8% year over year, with international operations contributing 68.5%. The company also acquired a 51% stake in one of Western Europe's largest distributors of next-generation smoke-free and FMCG products in July.
Sep.22
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Juul Labs displayed its JUUL2 e-cigarette system alongside existing products, age-verification messaging and mobile coupons, 2Firsts observed. The JUUL2 device and Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol pods received FDA marketing authorization in August 2026. Booth materials highlighted longer battery life, greater e-liquid capacity and connected-device features. A TruAge sign and a mobile coupon presentation also featured at the booth, with weekly offers available to age-verified adult nicotine consumers at participating retailers.
EXPO
Oct.09
Australia Extends Illicit Tobacco Crackdown From Tougher Penalties to Customs and Logistics Supply Chains
Australia Extends Illicit Tobacco Crackdown From Tougher Penalties to Customs and Logistics Supply Chains
Australia's federal government introduced a new illicit tobacco enforcement bill on September 10 that would strengthen evidentiary presumptions, representative sampling, seizure and forfeiture procedures, proceeds-of-crime powers and obligations for customs and logistics operators. The proposal follows the Combatting Illicit Tobacco Act 2026, which took effect in August and increased penalties while expanding investigative and asset-recovery tools. Together, the reforms extend Australia's crackdown from tougher criminal sanctions into import, logistics and evidentiary enforcement.
Sep.14
JUUL2 Sued Within a Week of FDA Authorization as AJ Marketing Alleges Infringement of Programmable Vape Patent
JUUL2 Sued Within a Week of FDA Authorization as AJ Marketing Alleges Infringement of Programmable Vape Patent
Less than a week after JUUL2 received U.S. FDA marketing authorization on August 28, 2026, JUUL Labs was sued for patent infringement in federal court in Delaware. AJ Marketing LLC filed the complaint on September 3, alleging that both JUUL 1 and JUUL2 infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,851,068 B2. The patent covers aspects of programmable electronic vaporization devices, including controls over dose delivery, usage frequency and operating parameters. The plaintiff is seeking reasonable royalties and ongoing royalties tied to the remaining life of the patent. JUUL has not yet publicly responded to the case.
Sep.10
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue is intensifying enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products ahead of the Christmas shopping season, directing regional and enforcement offices to strengthen monitoring of production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets. The BIR destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products in August with an estimated tax liability of about PHP1.53 billion. A nationwide tax-compliance operation in July also inspected 3,590 businesses involved in tobacco and vapor products.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Spain Cigarette Volumes Fall 5.2% in August, BAT Drops 14.5%, JTI Gains Share; France Down 8.3% on Adjusted Basis
Spain Cigarette Volumes Fall 5.2% in August, BAT Drops 14.5%, JTI Gains Share; France Down 8.3% on Adjusted Basis
Spain's cigarette volumes declined 5.2% year over year in August 2026, according to government data cited by UBS and reported by Investing.com on October 7. British American Tobacco's volumes fell 14.5%, followed by Imperial Brands at 8.8%, Philip Morris International at 6.6% and Japan Tobacco at 4.6%. JTI was the only one of the four companies to gain cigarette market share, rising six basis points to 26.7%. In France, official customs data showed an unadjusted 3.7% decline in cigarette deliveries. Adjusting for the difference in delivery days produces a decline of approximately 8.3%, consistent with the UBS figure. The bank also estimated the earnings exposure of major tobacco companies to both markets.
Market
Oct.13