The EU's proposed tax increase on white snus could significantly raise prices, drawing criticism from Sweden's trade minister, Benjamin Dousa. The move is seen as an attack on Swedish lifestyle, with the government opposing EU-level taxes that don't benefit member states directly.
Potential Tax Hike on White Snus Sparks Outrage in Sweden
Potential Tax Hike on White Snus Sparks Outrage in Sweden
The tax on white snus may increase in the EU. If the proposal passes, a can could become several kronor more expensive.
– It is completely unacceptable. It is an attack on the Swedish way of life, says Foreign Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa (M).
On Wednesday, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new multi-annual budget – a record budget of 22 trillion kronor.
To finance the increased expenses, the commission wants to raise more money through excise taxes. The proposed taxes target large companies with an annual turnover of over 50 million euros, but also tobacco.
According to the Swedish government, white snus risks being severely affected.
– The EU budget contains gaps that are covered with sharply increased taxes on, among other things, white snus, says Foreign Minister Benjamin Dousa (M).
More Expensive Snus Cans
According to Benjamin Dousa, the snus tax could be up to seven times higher than today – something he estimates would mean several kronor more per can for the consumer.
– This is an extreme tax increase. It could be several thousand kronor per year that you have to pay to Brussels instead of keeping in your own pocket.
In addition to the government fighting against increased snus tax, they are also against EU-level taxes going to the union – not to the member states themselves.
– We are completely against establishing EU taxes. Swedish tax money should go to Swedish police and schools, not to Brussels.
Criticizing EU Countries: “Hypocrisy”
One of the arguments from EU countries wanting measures against white snus and other new nicotine products is to protect young people from being tempted to start using them. This is inconsistent, according to Benjamin Dousa.
– In many of these countries, cigarettes are legal, yet they target snus. It is pure hypocrisy on their part. White snus is not a health product, but it is better than smoking.
The budget proposal will now be negotiated between EU member states. In these talks, Benjamin Dousa assures that Sweden will work to stop a snus tax increase.
– It is completely unacceptable. It is an attack on the Swedish way of life.
For the budget to pass in the EU, all member states must agree. But Benjamin Dousa does not want to say whether Sweden will veto a snus tax increase if it comes to that.
– We are not there yet, and hopefully, we will not end up there. We will negotiate, and several countries support us in making tough budget priorities instead.