Snus is a smokeless, moist powdered tobacco, which is sold pre-packaged either in a small pouch or sachet or as a loose powder. As well as ground tobacco, snus usually contains salt and flavourings. Produced initially in Sweden where it is regulated under the Swedish Food Act, snus has become quite popular around the world. However according to pussit.com, it is illegal to sell it in many countries including the UK.
- Sale of Snus is illegal in all EU countries bar Sweden
- Snus is the most common tobacco form in Switzerland and Norway
Snus in the UK
In the 1990s, a US chewable tobacco manufacturing company attempted to introduce its products into the UK. This introduction was not universally welcomed and led to reactions and angry responses from health campaigners. As a result, in 2016 the production and sale of any tobacco product that is intended for oral use was banned in the UK under the UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.
However, even though shops can’t sell Snus, there are no restrictions on the use of snus, and its popularity has grown quite impressively. This is because many people see it as a good alternative to smoking, vaping and the like. In addition, snus manufacturers have also developed tobacco-free nicotine pouches. These nicotine pouches are easy to use as they are simply slipped under the top lip.
UK laws and snus
The UK law on snus is quite confusing as there is no law against owning as well as using snus products. However, in the UK, shops are not allowed to sell snus products as they are banned throughout the country. This is the same in many European countries. Even after Brexit, the restrictions on snus products will probably remain the same in the United Kingdom.
The good news is that some campaigning bodies like the New Nicotine Alliance (NNA) are challenging the current laws and restrictions on snus. As it stands, their bone of contention is that snus should be legalised because it meets the standards of a harm reduction product. Although there have not been any changes or progress on this issue, the NNA continues to campaign for the legalisation of snus in the UK.
Summary and conclusion
Like other countries where it is illegal to sell snus and nicotine pouches, people in the UK can still get to use snus products. It is not illegal to purchase snus for personal use from sites abroad. In addition, snus has grown in popularity and has become an alternative for those who want to quit smoking or vaping. You won’t get a criminal charge if you’re caught with a snus product!
