Sweden

Tobacco Control Policies

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

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Sweden are well below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities No
Private offices Uncertain
Primary and secondary schools No
Public transport No
Universities No
Restaurants No
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs No
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising No
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display No
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 14
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 65%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 65%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 65%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 70.00 SEK
Total taxes 68%
In US dollars 6.87 USD
Total excise 48%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: December 5, 2023