Sweden resists EU tobacco tax overhaul over proposed levy on nicotine pouches

The European Commission's initial proposal from last year would set a minimum tax rate on nicotine pouches - so-called white snus - equivalent to around SEK 1,500 per kilo. However, Sweden has so far only been willing to accept no change to its current tax rate of around SEK 200 per kilo.

Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris, who is leading negotiations in the EU Council of Ministers, is nevertheless hopeful, despite the high likelihood that Sweden will continue to veto the proposal.

“When complete agreement is required, it is always difficult to achieve. But I am confident that progress will be made today,” Harris said on his way to the EU finance ministers' meeting in Brussels on Monday.