Executive Summary
We welcome the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s call for evidence on its forthcoming Cardiovascular Health Plan. However, we are concerned that the Commission is currently considering classifying all nicotine-containing products, including nicotine pouches, as cardiovascular risk factors, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, smoke-free, and combustion-free. They do not expose users to the thousands of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide and tar, the real culprits behind cardiovascular harm.
Evidence from clinical studies demonstrates that while nicotine can have temporary cardiovascular effects (such as increased heart rate), these effects are mild, reversible, and not associated with long-term cardiovascular disease in healthy users.
Sweden, the only country in the EU with widespread legal access to oral nicotine products, has one of the lowest cardiovascular disease rates in Europe. The Swedish experience confirms that harm reduction works. Instead of classifying nicotine pouches as a risk, the Commission should view them as part of the solution.
FR 
EN 
UK 
FI 
DE 
SV 
UZ 
ES 
CS