Swedish government aims at challenging snus ban in EU
“The government’s move is an important first step towards the normalization of Sweden’s trade relationship with the rest of EU. The export ban on traditional products does not belong in a union with free trade as one of the founding principles," Lars Dahlgren says.
“Swedish Match would welcome a move to replace the current ban with clear product regulation that would allow us to compete with our quality products on the same conditions as other Swedish companies,” says Patrik Hildingsson, Vice President Public Affairs at Swedish Match. “The export ban on snus has always been difficult to justify. For Swedish Match, Sweden’s membership of the EU has effectively shut the doors to neighboring markets, contradicting the founding principles of the EU to open up for increased trade.” Patrik Hildingsson says.
In the interests of Swedish trade, the government’s call on the Commission is in principle important, but there is a risk that a review of existing regulations will be a drawn out process. Swedish Match urges the Swedish government to actively pursue a phasing out of the export ban, and the Trade Minister’s letter is a welcome first step.
Written by: Karoline Hammar