Background & Purpose

This change is part of implementing a new EU directive, aiming to reduce tobacco use and protect public health, especially among young people.

Proposals & Debate

The Swedish government proposed a ban on heated tobacco products that have a characteristic flavor. These products are defined as those that heat tobacco to produce an inhalable emission containing nicotine and other chemicals. The government or a specific authority will decide what counts as a 'characteristic flavor'.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament decided to approve the government's proposal. This means that heated tobacco products with characteristic flavors will be prohibited in Sweden.

Does this affect you?

  • Consumers of heated tobacco products: Will no longer be able to purchase flavored versions of heated tobacco products in Sweden.
  • Tobacco companies and retailers: Must stop selling and distributing flavored heated tobacco products in Sweden from May 1st.
  • Public health authorities: Will be responsible for enforcing the new ban and potentially defining 'characteristic flavors'.

In Practice

  • It will be illegal to sell heated tobacco products that have a distinct flavor in Sweden.
  • The Swedish government or a designated authority will issue rules defining what constitutes a 'characteristic flavor'.
  • The ban applies to all products that heat tobacco to create an inhalable vapor.
  • This new regulation aligns Sweden with an updated EU directive on tobacco products.