Tobacco policy

There is support for how the world's countries can work to reduce the risk of illness and death due to nicotine addiction. The Tobacco Control Convention is one, as is the Convention on the Rights of the Child - which is law in Sweden. The 2030 Agenda and the UN resolution on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are also important support for reducing tobacco and nicotine use.

The use of, and attitudes towards, tobacco and nicotine products are influenced by tobacco policy and legislation in Sweden and the EU. A lot has happened in recent years in tobacco legislation in the EU and Sweden. Here you can follow the political developments.

Tobacco Facts wants to stimulate the work of implementing the Tobacco Control Convention in Sweden, and by looking at how it has been done in other countries we can gain inspiration and knowledge. The work is also strengthened through our involvement in several international networks.

Science has proven that exposure to secondhand smoke causes death, illness and disability. In 2005, Sweden introduced smoke-free restaurants, and in 2018 the ban was extended to certain outdoor public places. There are still many more efforts that can be made to reduce the risk of people being negatively affected by passive smoking.

In Sweden, we have largely banned advertising for tobacco and nicotine products, but both children and adults are still reached by advertising. For example, the products are displayed in stores, and the packaging itself is a form of marketing. Further limiting the tobacco industry's opportunities to market its products reduces the risk that children start using nicotine and that those who stop will relapse into addiction.

Research shows that high tobacco prices reduce tobacco use. In fact, price increases are the measure that has been measured to have the clearest effect on reducing consumption. Young people in particular are price-sensitive and smoke and snuff less if tobacco costs more. Article 6 of the International Tobacco Control Convention states that all countries that have ratified the convention should introduce taxes and set prices to reduce tobacco use.

The tobacco industry has invested significant resources in making cigarette smoke more palatable and easier to inhale with additives. But there is still free access to flavorings in snus and e-cigarettes. Something that research shows is behind increased nicotine use among minors.