According to reporting from PouchPatrol, Denmark is attempting to use closed-door negotiations at COP11 in Geneva to reintroduce a global ban on nicotine pouches, despite the EU having already agreed that the products may be placed on the market throughout the Union.
These discussions are taking place under the WHO’s FCTC process, in a format entirely closed to the public, without journalists or political oversight. While the EU mandate makes no mention of banning nicotine pouches, Denmark has inserted wording that would allow prohibiting the manufacture, import, sale and use of novel nicotine products, directly contradicting the democratically negotiated EU position.
Brazil supports the Danish line, even though the rest of the EU removed all references to bans during the consensus process. Sweden’s delegation is weakened by the presence of agencies that themselves favour a ban, despite the Swedish Parliament having adopted a clear strategy for proportionate regulation.
This creates a real risk that decisions at COP11 may end up contradicting both EU policy and Sweden’s national position. As PouchPatrol notes, Denmark is not simply using its mandate but actively trying to override it behind closed doors.
For the full text and proposals, see: https://pouchpatrol.com/harm-reduction/denmark-is-trying-to-ban-nicotine-pouches-in-sweden/