Austria is preparing to limit the sale of white snus and regulate nicotine content, according to official sources. The Swedish government has submitted a protest against this proposal, believing it negatively affects the free movement of goods within the EU. In France, a total ban on white snus took effect on Wednesday, April 1, with users or those bringing cans into the country risking high fines or, in the worst case, prison, according to major media reports.
The Social Democrats in the European Parliament have sent a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demanding action, arguing the French ban violates the EU's free movement. They have given the EU Commission three weeks to respond on whether the ban is based on scientific grounds. Foreign Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa has ruled out taking France to the EU Court of Justice, citing limited chances of winning a lengthy and costly case.
That adult Swedes who use white snus risk being deprived of their freedom or hit with sky-high fines is completely fucking unacceptable.
He supports pressure to stop meetings in Strasbourg, noting the ban complicates travel for Swedish parliamentarians. The Social Democrats stated that depriving Swedish citizens of freedom or imposing high fines for using nicotine pouches in France is absurd and unacceptable. According to Aftonbladet, Johan Danielsson described the ban as sounding like an April Fool's joke but warned that possession risks harsh penalties under the law.
The thought that Swedish citizens should be deprived of their freedom or sentenced to high fines during a visit to France, solely because they have or use nicotine pouches is absurd and completely unacceptable.
If adult Swedes risk high fines or even deprivation of liberty, it is not reasonable to continue going to France. The threat applies to both staff and members.
The ban sounds like an April Fool's joke, and I have a hard time imagining that French police will go around body-searching Swedes. But if you read the law, you risk harsh penalties for possession.
If it does not, we think the reasonable thing is to take France to court. That is something the Swedish government should seriously consider.