The Norwegian government has proposed introducing a maximum limit of 12 milligrams of nicotine per gram of snus. The proposal, sent out for consultation in December, has reportedly met with harsh criticism from the Progress Party. According to the industry organization NHO reiseliv, the limit would make over half of the snus currently sold in Norway illegal.
The Health Directorate and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health are reportedly positive about the proposal, with the latter expecting it to have a positive preventive effect and lower the risk of quickly developing addiction. The Health Directorate reportedly wants to go further and wishes for a ban on flavoring. Kristian Eilertsen, health policy spokesperson for the Progress Party, reportedly said that several parties agree with his party and they will work to secure a majority to stop the proposal.
the limit would make over half of the snus currently sold in Norway illegal
He reportedly believes the limit would not contribute to increased public health but only increase cross-border trade and punish law-abiding adults, adding that snus has helped many quit or never start smoking. The Conservative Party is also reportedly against the proposal. The Ministry of Health reportedly wrote to NTB that much of the snus sold in Norway is produced in Sweden, where an investigation in 2024 proposed a maximum limit of 12 milligrams, so a consistent limit in Norway is assumed to have limited consequences for snus production.
it would have a positive preventive effect and lower the risk of quickly developing addiction
the limit would not contribute to increased public health but only increase cross-border trade and punish law-abiding adults
snus has helped many quit or never start smoking