Snus Laws Around The World

28. january 2026

Explore the different Snus laws around the world. Discover where snus is allowed or not allowed and see how snus compares to nicotine pouches. Here's a detailed guide to its legal status in different countries (correct as of April 2025).

[This article is purely informational. It has been written according to the information available. BAT and VELO do not take responsibility for any incorrect information.]

 

Firstly, what is snus?

Snus is a type of oral tobacco from Sweden. Snus contains both tobacco and nicotine which means it is addictive. Snus comes in various forms including pre-moulded portions, prepacked pouches and as a loose powder that the user forms into portions.

 

And, what are nicotine pouches?

As the name suggests, a nicotine pouch is a small pouch that contains nicotine. This is a modern way to consume nicotine and is similar in some ways to snus. VELO pouches are discreet in design, making them easy for consumers to use anytime, anywhere.

With nicotine pouches, the nicotine is absorbed through the gum (not smoked or inhaled). VELO pouches are discreet in design and can be used anytime, anywhere. No burn. No ash. Less toxicants*.

 

Snus Laws In European Countries

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) was the first major European legislation specifically related to tobacco products. It is the only example of a regional approach to regulation. All EU member states must implement TPD into national Legislation. The EU banned Snus as part of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This legislation states that “Member States shall prohibit the placing on the market of tobacco for oral use”.

 

Snus Laws in the UK

Oral tobacco, otherwise known as snus, is banned in the United Kingdom under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. In fact, it is illegal to sell snus in all European Union countries except for Sweden, where snus has a longstanding tradition. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, so far this legislation has not changed.

 

Snus Laws in Sweden

Snus is allowed and is regulated as a consumer product, and it can be imported for personal use and it can also be bought online. A health warning is required on packaging and it can only be bought by those aged 18 and over, but there are no restrictions on flavour range or nicotine content.

 

Snus Laws in Spain

Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

 

Snus Laws in France

Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

 

Snus Laws in Italy

Heated tobacco products are legal, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

 

Snus Laws in Portugal

Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

 

Snus Laws in Germany

Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

 

Snus Laws in Asian Countries

 

Snus Laws in Thailand

Snus are prohibited in Thailand. The sale and importation of smokeless tobacco products, including snus, are banned, and penalties for possession or use can include fines and imprisonment.

 

Snus Laws in Dubai

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), snus are regulated heavily. It’s prohibited to bring tobacco and its products into the UAE or trade any of it inside the UAE, other than some specific extenuating circumstances.

 

Snus Laws in Singapore

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, Snus and other forms of smokeless tobacco are strictly prohibited in Singapore, including importation, sale, distribution, possession, use, and purchase. These products contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals and have been reported to cause cancer and oral health problems.

 

Snus Laws in China

In China, while oral tobacco products like snus are under a national regulatory framework, there isn't a specific regulation for snus, and the sale of smokeless tobacco products is permitted.

 

Snus Laws in India

In India, while national law doesn't explicitly ban oral tobacco products, many states have banned the manufacture, storage, and sale of products like gutka and pan masala, and some have extended this to other forms of smokeless tobacco.

 

Snus Laws in Japan

In Japan, while snus (tobacco-based) is legal to use and buy, and can be marketed, under the Tobacco Business Act. Yet nicotine pouches (tobacco-free) are not available as they are regulated as pharmaceutical products requiring a pharmaceutical license.

 

Snus Laws in The Americas

 

Snus Laws in the USA

Snus is legal in the United States, but it can only be used by those aged 21 and older. A health warning on packaging is required. Some states and localities restrict flavoured tobacco products, so it's important to be aware of local regulations.

 

Snus Laws in Canada

In Canada, buying and using snus is legal, despite a ban on certain flavours and added tobacco import taxes.

 

Snus Laws in Mexico

Snus is not explicitly banned in Mexico, and the use of oral tobacco products in public places is not restricted. Heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are banned in Mexico.

 

Snus Laws in Brazil

While traditional tobacco snus is not explicitly banned in Brazil, the sale and import of nicotine pouches, which are a similar product, are prohibited under the country's tobacco regulations.

 

Snus Laws in Australia & New Zealand

 

Snus Laws in Australia

Nicotine pouches are subject to strict regulation and can only be imported, supplied and advertised in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. There is a ban on chewing tobacco and snuffs intended for oral use. Oral tobacco products have been prohibited in Australia since June 1991.

 

Snus Laws in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the sale and distribution of tobacco-based snus and oral nicotine products (like nicotine pouches) are prohibited. However, importing snus for personal use is permitted. The Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 prohibits the importation, sale, packaging, or distribution of tobacco products suitable for chewing or other oral use (other than smoking.

 

Snus Laws in Africa

 

Snus Laws in South Africa

Snus, a smokeless tobacco product, is legally permitted for use in South Africa. Snus is not explicitly banned in South Africa, and its regulatory status is considered to be within the legal framework. Nicotine pouches, which are often seen as alternatives to snus, are also legal in South Africa.

 

So that's a round-up of Snus laws around the world. As Snus are banned in many places, nicotine pouch are an alternative to Snus. VELO pouches are discreet in design and can be used anytime, anywhere. No burn. No ash. Less toxicants*.

 

SHOP OUR FULL RANGE OF NICOTINE POUCHES HERE

 

*This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. Comparison based on an assessment of smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette (approximately 9mg tar) and components released during use of a VELO pouch, in terms of the average of the 9 harmful components the World Health Organisation recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke).

 

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