Sweden

Sweden became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on October 5, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas in most workplaces and public places. Smoking is also permitted in designated smoking areas on some public transport. Smoking is prohibited in the following outdoor areas: schoolyards and other equivalent outdoor areas of preschools and daycare centers; playgrounds; outdoor spaces intended to be used by persons traveling by public transport; outdoors areas intended primarily for athletic activities; and entrance points to facilities where smoking is prohibited. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a nearly comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. However, advertising and promotion is allowed at points of sale provided it is not visible from outside the point of sale. Tobacco product displays are also allowed at points of sale. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Packaging of smoked tobacco products must carry combined text/picture health warnings occupying 65 percent of the front and back. Warnings are required to rotate. Packaging of smokeless tobacco products must carry one text warning occupying 30 percent of the front and back. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors; and ingredients that facilitate nicotine uptake, create the impression of health benefits, or are associated with energy and vitality; among others. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and small packs of cigarettes. The law restricts the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, but does not restrict the sale of tobacco products via the internet. There are no restrictions on sales based on location. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited. The law permits designated smoking areas in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and most means of public transport. Advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes are restricted. The law allows the sale of e-cigarettes via the internet and vending machines. The law establishes a maximum nicotine concentration of 20mg/ml. In addition, the law requires a text-only health warning covering 30 percent of the front and back surfaces. The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Act on Tobacco and Similar Products (SFS 2018:2088) is the primary piece of tobacco control legislation in Sweden. The 2018 Act repealed the Tobacco Act (SFS 1993:581) and the Act on Electronic Cigarettes and Refill Containers (SFS 2017:425). The Decree on Tobacco and Similar Products (SFS 2019:233) was issued under the 2018 Act and contains implementing provisions for the Act. The 2019 Decree repeals Decree on Tobacco (Tobacco Regulation) (SFS 2016:354) and the Decree on Electronic Cigarettes and Refill Containers (SFS 2017:429). HSFL-FS 2016:46 (as amended by HSLF-FS 2016:17) remains in effect and sets forth specific requirements for pictorial health warnings and other labeling requirements.

Other laws impact tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship in addition to the Act on Tobacco and Similar Products. Specifically, the Radio and Television Act prohibits tobacco sponsorship of radio and television programs and paid placement of tobacco products on TV programs. The Marketing Act provides penalties for violations of advertising, promotion and sponsorship provisions of the Act on Tobacco and Similar Products. The Freedom of Press Act specifically states that it does not apply to commercial advertising for tobacco products.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.