Government issues detailed opinion on France’s proposal to ban white snus
Published
The Government has decided to submit a detailed opinion on the French proposal to ban the sale and possession of white snus. The proposal is far-reaching and involves banning all products containing white snus in France, which would be a restriction of free movement in the EU Single Market.
“Several countries are increasing their efforts to ban white snus, first Spain and now France. The Swedish Government will not stand by and watch an important Swedish industry being restricted. We support Swedish snus customers and the EU Single Market,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
France has submitted a proposal for new legislation, in accordance with the procedure under the Notification Directive for technical regulations. The proposal involves banning the production, sale and possession of white snus in France.
The Government considers that the proposal risks seriously damaging free movement within the EU. An efficient internal market is a core value for the Swedish Government. The Government is concerned that free movement will be adversely impacted if individual Member States introduce a total ban on white snus.
About detailed opinions
The detailed opinion submitted by the Government is a sharper form of reaction that the Directive allows to be given to other Member States’ legislative proposals, as opposed to merely submitting a comment. A Member State that receives a detailed opinion must reply to the comments and report the measures it intends to take to remove the obstacle caused by the regulation.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 133 67 90
email to Linn Laurin
