Where is Snus Legal? Laws and Availability Worldwide in 2025

Snus is legal in Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, China, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden have clear laws that promote the production, sales, marketing, and consumption of snus. Apart from these countries, most of the others have limited snus sales.

We'll look at the rules and regulations surrounding snus in most countries. You'll get detailed information about the laws and loopholes for snus users and their countries. You will also learn how you can use these laws to order snus in your country. 

List of Countries Where Snus is Legal and Illegal

Here's a quick list of the legal status of snus in different countries:

Note: While most countries like the Netherlands ban snus, you can use it for yourself. You can import snus in controlled quantities with personal importation laws. 

Is Snus Legal in the US?

No, the sale of snus is not legal in the US. While the individual use of snus is legal, you cannot sell or advertise snus products across the US. Only one snus brand, General Snus, is allowed to sell eight of its products in the US. 

In November of 2024, the FDA authorized the sale of eight General Snus products. However, these products are always under scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum. Furthermore, their authorization has strict clauses about marketing and controlled distribution.

Is Snus Legal in the UK?

No, snus is not legal in the UK because of the 1992 EU Tobacco Products Directive. After Brexit, the UK doubled down on snus laws with the 2016 Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). According to UK law, you cannot sell or market snus.

Anyone over the age of 18 can import Swedish snus or other products for personal consumption. According to TDP 18070, oral snus does not come under the excise duty because it is not related to chewing tobacco or cigarettes. Sometimes, if the value is more than £135, you might have to pay the Duty tax on the order. 

The personal importation law is what allows various English footballers to use tobacco and nicotine products. We might see stricter regulations from the UK in the upcoming years.

Is Snus Legal in the EU?

Snus is illegal in all EU countries, except Sweden. According to the 1992 Tobacco Control Law passed by the European Union, the sale of snus is illegal in all member countries, except Sweden. The latter was given this exemption because the use of snus in Sweden is part of the cultural heritage.

The EU applies this ban to all snus products, including loose, dry, and moist snuff. Recently, members of the EU asked for increased legislation on nicotine pouches, which bypassed the 1992 law. We might see increasing restrictions on both snus and nicotine pouches in the EU. 

For example, France banned both snus and nicotine pouch sales. Other European members have turned a blind eye to nicotine pouches, but the situation might change soon. 

Is Snus Legal in Canada?

Snus is not legal for sale in Canada according to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA). According to this act, any form of oral snus cannot be marketed or sold through retail shelves in Canada. Individuals can import and use snus for their personal needs through the Personal Use and Excise Duty Act of 2001. 

Nicotine pouches are also heavily taxed and restricted in Canada. According to the law, you can only use Canada-authorized nicotine pouches, which have a nicotine concentration below 4 mg. 

Is Snus Legal in Australia?

The sale of snus is completely illegal in Australia under the Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA) of 1989. The possession of snus that indicates commercial sale purposes is also illegal. However, you can import snus and nicotine pouches through the Personal Importation Scheme.

According to this scheme, you can import controlled amounts of nicotine products with a valid prescription. You cannot import more than 1.5 kg of these products at a time. Your imports are also subject to various taxes and duties. Australia takes a more lenient approach to Nicotine Replacement Therapy products like patches and gum. 

Is Snus Legal in Scandinavia?

Snus is legal in Norway and Sweden, but illegal in Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. According to the various laws, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland restrict the sale and possession of snus. Anyone under the age of 18 can be fined and re-educated for the possession and consumption of snus.

Norway and Sweden allow snus use and sales. Snus is a major part of Nordic culture, which is why Sweden was allowed an exemption from EU snus bans. Swedish Match, a Swedish company, is one of the biggest snus and nicotine pouch producers in the world.

Why Do Some Countries Ban Snus?

Snus is banned in certain countries because the products contain tobacco and have been linked to cancer risks. These products have a high nicotine content and are very addictive, which makes them risky. Most countries realize these side effects of nicotine and prevent retailers from selling snus.

Most countries also discourage tobacco for oral use by increasing duties and taxes. It makes snus more expensive for consumers and reduces their utility. Naturally, people reduce their snus consumption and sometimes even quit.

An increasing number of countries are including snus in the emerging and newly identified health risks. Due to this inclusion, snus products are often restricted in most countries. 

Is Snus More Dangerous than Cigarettes?

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that is often used to quit cigarettes. Snus is smoke and spit-free, which reduces the risk of skin problems, oral cancer, liver problems, and heart diseases. That's why some countries allow the unimpeded import of snus for individual use. 

Surprisingly, countries with the most snus users have the lowest cancer rates and smoking rates. Here's a short list of countries with snus legal status, cancer rates, and smoking percentage. 

Note: The cancer% is an estimation of how many people experience cancer in their lifetime till the age of 80 years. For example, 40% means that 2 out of 5 people experienced one or more forms of cancer incidence in their lifetime. According to stats, Sweden has the lowest smoking and cancer rate in the EU. 

FAQs - Snus Legality

Why is snus illegal in Germany?

Snus is illegal in Germany because the European Union discourages tobacco use and bans its sales. The 1992 EU directive restricts snus because of its cancer risks, nicotine content, and addiction. You can consume snus and buy nicotine pouches in Germany under the personal consumption laws.

What country is best for snus?

Norway and Sweden are the best countries for snus and users because of cultural acceptance, legal status, and product quality.  Sweden is one of the biggest manufacturers of snus, with manufacturers like Swedish Match, Snus Factory, and GN Tobacco. Most modern snus portions are a courtesy of Sweden.

Is snus legal everywhere?

No, snus is not legal everywhere. Snus is banned in most European countries, except Sweden. The rest of the countries have confusing or no regulations for snus products. Only countries like Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland have legalized the sale and marketing of snus. 

Bottom Line on Where Is Snus Legal

Snus is legal in countries like Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Egypt, Argentina, and China. Some countries have no regulations on snus products, like India, Ghana, Namibia, Nepal, and Afghanistan. Other countries, like members of the EU, Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, ban the sale of snus.

You can import snus for personal use in most countries that ban it. However, the governments impose various duties and taxes to prevent and discourage snus use. Most countries ban snus because of its negative health effects and health risks.