Norway’s health authorities back stricter limits on high-nicotine snus

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) and the Norwegian Directorate of Health have endorsed the government’s proposal to ban strong snus, a move that could remove over half of current snus products from the market, Dagbladet reports.

Under the proposed restrictions, snus containing more than 12 milligrams of nicotine per gram would be prohibited. The FHI argues in its consultation response that capping nicotine levels will reduce the risk of rapid addiction, particularly among young people and first-time users.

“It will likely result in a weaker ‘kick’ per portion, a reduced reward signal in the brain, and a lower risk of quick dependency,” the institute states, noting that around 70 percent of adult snus users would be affected. Some may compensate by increasing usage frequency or switching to alternative nicotine products.

The Directorate of Health supports the 12 mg/g limit as a “practical first step,” though it considers the threshold still high. It also proposes additional measures, including mandatory brown packaging for snus and a ban on flavoured varieties, to curb appeal among youth. The directorate highlights social media trends like “nic shock” challenges, where young users deliberately induce nicotine sickness.

Industry groups, including NHO and Virke, warn the restrictions could fuel cross-border trade and smuggling from Sweden, where regulations differ. Many public consultation responses—573 published so far—oppose the changes, with users arguing snus is less harmful than cigarettes and has helped them quit smoking.

The government’s consultation period closed on March 17, with final decisions pending.