BACKGROUND: The harmful impact of tobacco use on public health is well-documented. However, the emergence of new nicotine-containing products, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, has raised growing concerns. Reports across the Nordic and Baltic countries indicate an increase in the use of these products among young people. In response, several national regulatory initiatives have been introduced to address this rising trend. In a time of changes in both usage patterns and regulatory landscapes in the Nordic and Baltic countries, a comprehensive overview of use trends and emerging national regulations across the Nordic and Baltic countries, is strictly needed.
METHODS: Using prevalence data from 2018 to 2024, this project compared trends in use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and oral nicotine products among 14-29-year-olds across the Nordic (Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden) and Baltic (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) countries. National regulations are presented alongside use trends and compared across countries. Data were obtained through own searches and contributions from national ministries, health authorities, and scientific institutes.
RESULTS: While cigarette smoking among youth continues to decline, the use of e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products has risen. Notably, use of e-cigarettes has risen rapidly since 2021, particularly among girls. Oral nicotine products remain more common among boys, but the gender gap is narrowing. While cigarette regulations are relatively uniform across the countries due to frameworks like the Tobacco Product Directive and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, regulations for new nicotine products vary significantly, including variations in sales ban, taxation, flavor restrictions, advertising, and plain packaging.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of maintaining a strategic and political focus on youth use of new nicotine-containing products within and between countries. Presenting how the Nordic and Baltic countries are addressing this critical public health challenge can help can inform policymakers and inspire effective preventive initiatives.