Snus

Snus ( /ˈsnuːs/; ), or Swedish snuff, Nas in Iran or Naswar in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, is a moist powder tobacco product originated from a variant of dry snuff in the early 19th century in Sweden; consumed by placing it under the lip for extended periods of time. The precursor of snus, the dry form of snuff inhaled through the nose, was introduced in Europe much earlier. Snus is a form of snuff that is used in a manner similar to American dipping tobacco, but typically does not result in the need for spitting. Snus is also unique in that it is steam-pasteurized rather than fire-cured, is not fermented and contains no added sugar. The sale of snus is illegal in the European Union, but due to exemptions, it is still manufactured and consumed primarily in Norway and Sweden. Its popularity is growing in the United States as an alternative to smoking and traditional "chewing" tobacco. In Sweden, snus is often used to quit smoking, which has led to a significant decrease in the prevalence of smoking among men.

Previously, Swedish snus was only available by mail order in the US. An increasing number of tobacco retailers have begun to stock Swedish snus products. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Philip Morris USA, and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company now produce similar products called Camel Snus, Marlboro Snus, and Skoal Snus, respectively. While it is packaged in much the same way (moist tobacco in a small pouch), production methods vary considerably from traditional Scandinavian methods. Additionally, differences in the way American snus is formulated may also diminish some of the possible benefits. Swedish Match, the leading manufacturer of Swedish snus, is currently test-marketing snus in Canada, Russia, and several regions throughout the US.

In October 2012, the European Union's commissioner for health and consumer policy, John Dalli, resigned, following an investigation by OLAF, the European Anti-fraud Office, into a complaint made in by tobacco producer Swedish Match. OLAF found that an unnamed Maltese entrepreneur approached Swedish Match using his contacts with Mr. Dalli, and seeking payments in exchange for influence over possible snus legislation, the new EU's Tobacco Products Directive expected during autumn 2012.

Swedish Match commented that she expects that proven scientific facts regarding snus, are considered in a fair legal process for the proposal of a new Tobacco Products Directive.