In Haparanda, there are several large shops that focus on selling snus, despite 10,000 inhabitants.
Recently, a man was sentenced for having smuggled snus for large sums, and prosecutor Jonas Fjellström questions the municipality’s controls.
– It is strange that such a small town as Haparanda has such a market that you can have several large shops for snuff sales. There is reason to believe that it is not just for the Swedish market, he says.
Ambiguous clause
When Sweden joined the EU, they got an exception for the sale of snus, which is prohibited in other countries.
The provision states that Sweden must ensure that snus does not enter the markets of other countries. However, the clause is interpreted to mean that it is permitted to carry with you for personal use.
Snuff can be banned completely
In Finland, there is now a debate about completely banning snus. The Finnish EU parliamentarian, Heidi Hautala, has also questioned whether the Swedish production is solely for domestic consumption.
Haparanda municipality, for its part, believes that they only look at other factors when they grant the permits.
– It is the operator who bears the responsibility, says Spyridon Xenos, former head of administration.
However, the municipality must now expand cooperation with other authorities.
You can hear more about this in the clip above.