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

Product | ELFBAR PLUS 50 with 50,000 Puffs Launches in the UK
Product | ELFBAR PLUS 50 with 50,000 Puffs Launches in the UK
New e-cigarette product "ELFBAR PLUS 50 DEVICE" officially enters UK market after receiving MHRA approval, sold on major distributors' websites.
Aug.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia's TGA reiterates: Nicotine pouches are prescription drugs in Australia, and unapproved products pose safety risks.
Australia's TGA reiterates: Nicotine pouches are prescription drugs in Australia, and unapproved products pose safety risks.
Illegal sale of nicotine pouches in Australia is on the rise, posing health risks and legal consequences.
Aug.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
E-cigarette Explosion During Charging Causes Fire, Destroying Three Houses in the UK; Authorities Issue Urgent Warning
E-cigarette Explosion During Charging Causes Fire, Destroying Three Houses in the UK; Authorities Issue Urgent Warning
A recent e-cigarette explosion during charging in Gainsborough, UK, caused a fire that made three houses uninhabitable. The fire department confirmed it was due to overheating, and trading standards officials warn against buying cheap e-cigarettes.
Jul.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco Backs E-Cigarette Tax in Ireland, Urges Stronger Enforcement to Combat €220 Million Black Market
British American Tobacco Backs E-Cigarette Tax in Ireland, Urges Stronger Enforcement to Combat €220 Million Black Market
British American Tobacco has expressed support for the Irish government's plan to impose a new e-cigarette tax, which is expected to generate €17 million. Originally set to take effect in mid-2025, the tax is now anticipated to be implemented in early 2026. However, the company has warned that without strong enforcement, the illegal market, valued at approximately €220 million, will continue to expand.
Aug.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Police Seize 22,900 Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth Approximately $310,000
Thai Police Seize 22,900 Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth Approximately $310,000
On July 9, Thailand’s highway police intercepted a van smuggling e-cigarettes, seizing 22,920 devices worth around 10 million baht (approximately $310,000), and arrested the 41-year-old driver. This is the largest e-cigarette smuggling case in the country so far in 2025, and police plan to expand the investigation.
Jul.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
World Vape Show Announcement: Due to customer product import issues, the Miami show in September has been postponed until further notice.
World Vape Show Announcement: Due to customer product import issues, the Miami show in September has been postponed until further notice.
World Vape Show Announcement: Due to difficulties with customer product imports, the Miami show originally scheduled for September 4-5, 2025, has been postponed until further notice.
Aug.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai