First of All, What Is Snus?
Snus is a type of oral tobacco from Sweden. It contains both tobacco and nicotine, which makes it addictive. It comes in several forms, such as pre-portioned servings, pre-packaged pouches, or loose powder that the user molds into portions.
And What Are Nicotine Pouches?
As their name suggests, nicotine pouches are small sachets that contain nicotine. They are a modern way to consume nicotine and share some similarities with snus. VELO pouches are discreetly designed so they can be used easily, anytime and anywhere.
With nicotine pouches, nicotine is absorbed through the gums — it’s not smoked or inhaled. VELO pouches are discreet and can be used anywhere, anytime. No smoke. No ash. Fewer harmful substances.*
Snus Legislation in European Countries
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) was the first major European law that specifically addressed tobacco products. All EU member states must incorporate the TPD into their national legislation. The EU banned snus as part of this directive, which states that “member states shall prohibit the placing on the market of tobacco for oral use.”
Snus Legislation in Greece
Oral tobacco, known as snus, is banned in Greece. In fact, the sale of snus is illegal in all EU countries except Sweden, where snus has a long tradition.
Snus Legislation in the United Kingdom
Oral tobacco, known as snus, is banned in the UK under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. In fact, the sale of snus is illegal in all EU countries except Sweden, where snus has a long tradition. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, this legislation has not changed to date.
Snus Legislation in Sweden
Snus is permitted and regulated as a consumer product. It can be imported for personal use and purchased online. Health warnings on packaging are required, and sales are restricted to people over 18, but there are no limits on flavor or nicotine strength.
Snus Legislation in Spain
Heated tobacco products are legal and may be sold, but the situation with snus is more complex. While importing snus for commercial purposes or purchasing it online is prohibited, importing it for personal use is allowed.
Snus Legislation in France
Heated tobacco products are legal and may be sold, but the situation with snus is more complex. While importing snus for commercial purposes or purchasing it online is prohibited, importing it for personal use is allowed.
Snus Legislation in Italy
Heated tobacco products are legal, but the situation with snus is somewhat more complicated. Although importing snus for commercial purposes or buying it online is prohibited, it is permitted for personal use.
Snus Legislation in Portugal
Heated tobacco products are legal and may be sold, but the situation with snus is a bit more complex. Although importing snus for commercial purposes or buying it online is prohibited, importing it for personal use is allowed.
Snus Legislation in Germany
Heated tobacco products are legal and may be sold, but the situation with snus is a bit more complex. Although importing snus for commercial purposes or buying it online is prohibited, importing it for personal use is allowed.
Snus Legislation in Asian Countries
Snus Legislation in Thailand
Snus is banned in Thailand. The sale and import of smokeless tobacco products, including snus, are prohibited. Penalties for possession or use may include fines and imprisonment.
Snus Legislation in Dubai
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), snus is strictly regulated. Bringing tobacco and its products into the UAE or trading them within the country is prohibited, except under certain special exemptions.
Snus Legislation in Singapore
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, snus and other forms of smokeless tobacco are strictly banned in Singapore — including import, sale, distribution, possession, use, and purchase.
Snus Legislation in China
In China, while oral tobacco products such as snus fall under national regulatory frameworks, there is no specific legislation for snus itself, and the sale of smokeless tobacco products is permitted.
Snus Legislation in India
In India, although national law does not explicitly prohibit oral tobacco products, many states have banned the production, storage, and sale of products such as gutka and pan masala, and some have extended these bans to other forms of smokeless tobacco.
Snus Legislation in Japan
In Japan, tobacco-based snus is legal for use, purchase, and advertising under the Tobacco Business Act. However, nicotine pouches (which do not contain tobacco) are not available because they are classified as pharmaceutical products requiring medical authorization.
Snus Legislation in the Americas
Snus Legislation in the United States
Snus is legal in the United States but can only be used by individuals aged 21 and over. A health warning on packaging is required. Some states and local authorities restrict flavored tobacco products, so it’s important to be aware of local regulations.
Snus Legislation in Canada
In Canada, the purchase and use of snus are legal, despite bans on certain flavors and additional import taxes on tobacco products.
Snus Legislation in Mexico
Snus is not explicitly banned in Mexico, and the use of oral tobacco in public spaces is not restricted. However, heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are prohibited in Mexico.
Snus Legislation in Brazil
Although traditional tobacco snus is not explicitly banned in Brazil, the sale and import of nicotine pouches — a similar product — are prohibited under national tobacco regulations.
This was an overview of snus legislation around the world. Since snus is banned in many countries, nicotine pouches serve as an alternative. VELO pouches are discreetly designed and can be used anytime, anywhere. No smoke. No ash. Fewer harmful substances.*
Discover our full range of VELO nicotine pouches here.
*This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance.
