Resolution Urging the European Union to Remove Its Ban on the Sale of Smokeless Tobacco

Whereas, Sweden is a member of the EU; and

Whereas, the Four Freedoms: free movement of goods; capital; services and persons within the European Union (EU) form the fundamental principles on which the Union was established; and

Whereas, the sale of smokeless tobacco (snus) is prohibited everywhere in the EU except for Sweden while many other tobacco products including cigarettes can be sold anywhere in the EU; and

Whereas, Swedish and Swedish-style snus is the only commodity that is lawfully-produced, sold and consumed in an EU member state and exported worldwide but cannot legally be sold anywhere in the EU except for Sweden; and

Whereas, an EU ban of a product largely produced in one EU member state is discriminatory and in direct violation of competitive market laws; and

Whereas, the European Commission has failed to demonstrate why the ban on snus sales is reasonable in light of its role as the EU guardian of free trade and member state equal right of access; and

Whereas, several studies, including one published in The Lancet in 2007 found that snus use caused no increase in cancers of the lung or mouth and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer that was significantly lower than that of cigarette use; and

Whereas, Sweden has the lowest number of daily smokers in the EU (18% of the population) and the highest level of EU snus consumption; and

Whereas, tobacco-related cases of lung cancer and heart disease are lower in Sweden than in any other EU member state; and

Whereas, snus has been shown to help people discontinue cigarette smoking, a more risky way to consume tobacco; and

Whereas, a study conducted by the School of Population Health at the University of Queensland, Australia found little difference in health adjusted life expectancy between smokers who ceased using all tobacco products and smokers who switched from another tobacco product to snus; and

Whereas, the EU wants to reduce cigarette smoking among its population; and

Whereas, studies demonstrate that Swedes find it easier to quit smoking than citizens of any other EU member state; and

Whereas, both the European Commission and the European Parliament have recognized that snus is a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking; and

Whereas, other forms of “oral” tobacco that arguably pose greater health risks are permitted to be sold in the EU;

Therefore, be it resolved that the European Commission, per its own directive, conduct a review on snus, as it is less harmful than EU-sanctioned tobacco products;

Be it further resolved that the European Commission lift its 1992 ban on snus sales in the European Union.

Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors January 8, 2010.

Reapproved by the ALEC Board of Directors January 9, 2015.

Reapproved by ALEC Board of Directors December 20, 2019