I too think this is awesome that you guys have come to snuscentral

I am very new to snus. I think I may be odd in the fact that I instantly enjoyed the flavour the first time I used it after only ever being a smoker and using no smokeless tobacco products ever.

I am in the UK though and have to order all my snus online. I really hope that soon this stupid ban will be lifted and you will be able to market snus in the UK and the rest of Europe.

It just does not make no sense to me that snus is banned and cigarettes are fine, it is absolutely crazy...

Anyways not really a question from me: just a big welcome although I do wonder what your views are on the European ban and if you think this will be changed soon.

Thnx Lee

Hi Lee,

We appreciate that you like our being here.

Concerning the EU ban we share your sense that the disallowing of snus, which have significantly reduced harm compared to cigarettes, is a confused action. Whether this will change, and in that case when, is a political decision and I really can’t give you any answer.

However, we surely hope that there will be a change. Our belief is that the legalization of snus in Europe would be a pragmatic approach to reduce tobacco related harm in the region.

The internationally known tobacco researchers, Jonathan Foulds and Lynn Kozlowski, wrote in an editorial in the medical magazine, The Lancet, in May 2007, that it is “perverted” public health politics to make tobacco available in its most harmful form, namely cigarettes, while neglecting to inform consumers that tobacco is available in a significantly less harmful form, namely snus.

All the best,
Markus and Joakim
Swedish Match AB @ SnusCENTRAL.org

Hi Joakim and Markus!

I had a rather long and interesting conversation with Bill Godshall, renown anti-smoking advocate but encouragingly, pro-reduced harm products for current smokers.

In discussing the Kennedy/Waxman Bill, he stated that Swedish Match favored weight-based taxing of smokeless products over ad valorem taxation.

I admit to be taken a little aback. Which method of taxing smokeless tobacco products does Swedish Match favor and why?

Thanks, Larry

I am curious about what SM is planning to do regarding the US PACT legislation.

I am new to snus, it saved my life. I was able to easily quit smoking after 13 years where before I had failed. If the American Government outlaws internet sales here in the States, I am mortified that I will be doomed to returning to American tobacco products that are inferior.

Currently in my town I can only get General White Portion, Regular Portion, Wintergreen, and Mini Mint. Don't get me wrong I'm glad that there will at least be some snus in town to get my hands on if this occurs but at $5 a can and such a limited selection, I still am concerned that my snus usage will be severely limited.

I know you can't say what your time-line is on emerging here in the States with retail outlets but can you tell us anything that might give us hope or soften the blow?

I will dearly miss the ability of ordering new flavors, types, and brands of snus and look forward to the day I can buy the entire SM and other manufacturers lines of snus at the gas station, supermarket, tobacco store, or vending machine.

Sorry for the long post BTW thanks for your presence here: it is much appreciated.

Mitch

Larry Waters wrote:
Hi Joakim and Markus!
I had a rather long and interesting conversation with Bill Godshall, renown anti-smoking advocate but encouragingly, pro-reduced harm products for current smokers.
In discussing the Kennedy/Waxman Bill, he stated that Swedish Match favored weight-based taxing of smokeless products over ad valorem taxation.
I admit to be taken a little aback. Which method of taxing smokeless tobacco products does Swedish Match favor and why?
Thanks, Larry
Hi Larry,

Swedish Match favors ad valorem taxation. We do this because we believe that consumers deserve a choice between value price and premium products. Weight based taxation imposes an unfair tax burden on value priced products and the price conscious consumers who are less able to pay a higher price for their smokeless products. It is our belief that manufacturers should dictate what price they charge consumers and the state taxing authorities should not adopt a method of taxation that causes a can of moist snuff to have an inflated price.

Our general position is that all taxes on smokeless products, state and federal, should be lower than taxes on cigarettes to reflect the substantially lower risk that smokeless tobacco poses versus cigarettes. In the light of this rationale, ad valorem taxation is also a better method so that price conscious consumers are able to find a less harmful alternative to cigarettes that is value priced.

All the best,
Joakim

Sm0ke42o wrote:
I am curious about what SM is planning to do regarding the US PACT legislation........
If the PACT Act were to pass, online sales of snus would be impacted, but not prohibited.

In summary, the PACT Act requires that companies that engage in direct to consumer sales: (a) age verify consumers both at the time the consumer places an order and also arrange for a private carrier to age verify on delivery; (b) register with the States; (c) provide to the States reports that list consumers to whom they have sold cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products; and (d) collect and remit State excise taxes.

While we are voicing our concern over the legislation we are also preparing to work within the system that the Congress sets up to ensure that you still will be able to buy a full range of products.

BR/
Markus and Joakim
Swedish Match AB @ SnusCENTRAL.org