Market & legal data in the tobacco alternatives sector in Finland

25th April 2024: Finland: The government has resubmitted the proposal to amend the Tobacco Act on nicotine pouch regulation to the EU TRIS system (the previous one submitted in March was withdrawn). The newly submitted proposal largely mimics the previous one, but specifies some new requirements. The proposal would add the definition of a smokeless nicotine product, which would cover nicotine pouches and products closely resembling them. These products would be subject to a nicotine limit (up to 16.6 mg/g). Adding of flavours would be prohibited (with the exception of menthol, mint, tea, ginger, rosemary and wood). It would also require that products are notified and bear health warnings, and the retail sale would be subject to authorisation (distance selling would be prohibited). The end of standstill period is 17th July.
15th April 2024: Finland: The Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention (EHYT) conducted an online survey in January with 1,008 Finns aged between 15 and 29 participating. It showed that the use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes has increased among young people, whereas the use of tobacco and snuff has remained unchanged, media reports.
12th March 2024: Finland: The Legislation Evaluation Council (an independent institution giving opinions on drafts of the government’s proposals) has issued a statement to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on the proposal to amend the Tobacco Act to regulate nicotine pouches. The Council considers that the government’s proposal meets the guidelines for preparing laws and has only made some minor suggestions.
6th March 2024: Finland: The government’s proposal to amend the Tobacco Act regarding nicotine pouches has been notified to the TRIS system. The proposal would add the definition of a smokeless nicotine product, which would cover nicotine pouches and products closely resembling them. The proposal, if adopted, would set a 20 mg/g nicotine limit, the retail sale of products would be subject to a permit, distance sales would be prohibited, and health warnings would be required. The end of the standstill period is 5th June 2024.
9th January 2024: Finland: As of 1st January 2024, nicotine pouches are now subject to tax. According to the governmental bill, non-liquid smokeless nicotine products – such as nicotine pouches – are subject to a 10% ad valorem tax and a unit tax of €0.10 per g. The minimum tax for such products is €0.14 per g. For nicotine pouches released for consumption on or after 9th October 2023, the tax will apply as of 1st July 2024.
18th December 2023: Finland: According to a study by the Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), additional measures should be implemented to achieve the goal of the Tobacco Act (no more than 5% of the population using tobacco or nicotine products by 2030), media reports. These measures include regular tax increases together with raising the age limit to 20.
1st December 2023: Finland: The parliament has published the adopted government bill on tobacco taxes with some changes. If signed by the president, non-liquid smokeless nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, would be subject to a 10% ad valorem tax and a unit tax of €0.10 per g as of 1st January 2024. The minimum tax for such products is set to be €0.14 per g. For nicotine pouches released for consumption on or after 9th October 2023, the tax will apply as of 1st July 2024. Additionally, the bill covers liquid smokeless nicotine products, which would be taxed at a rate of €0.30 per ml. This change prepares for the possibility that liquid smokeless nicotine products will eventually enter the Finnish market. The parliament’s Information Service has confirmed to TobaccoIntelligence that such products could be, for example, nicotine-containing gel products and nicotine-containing mouth sprays. The bill does not impose changes to the taxation of e-liquids and heated tobacco.
30th November 2023: Finland: On Tuesday, 28th November, the parliament adopted a government bill on tobacco tax changes in the second reading. If signed by the president, as of 1st January 2024, nicotine pouches will be subject to a 10% ad valorem tax and a unit tax of €0.10 per g. Additionally, the minimum tax for such products is set to be €0.14 per g. The bill does not impose changes to the taxation of heated tobacco and e-liquids.
29th November 2023: Finland: The smoke-free Finland 2030 network – whose objective is to create a tobacco- and nicotine-free Finland by 2030 – has suggested that the maximum amount of nicotine in nicotine pouches and the dose size should be significantly limited, and flavours banned, media reports.
27th November 2023: Finland: The Finnish public health organisation Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Finland has said that in order to protect the health of young people, nicotine pouches with all characteristic flavourings, except tobacco, should be banned. It also believes the age limit for tobacco and nicotine product sales must be raised from 18 to 20. ASH said that all these are missing from a new governmental proposal seeking to specifically regulate nicotine pouches in Finland.
15th November 2023: Finland: Last month, the government presented a bill on tobacco tax changes as of 1st January 2024. If adopted, nicotine pouches would be subject to a 10% ad valorem tax and a unit tax of €0.10 per g. Additionally, the minimum tax for such products is set to be €0.14 per g. The bill does not impose changes to the taxation of e-liquids and heated tobacco.

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