Snuff tax will be cut by around 20 per cent from Friday, while the tax on cigarettes will increase by 9 per cent. According to the government, this should reflect the harmful effects of the two tobacco products, where smoke is considered to be significantly more harmful.
For several of the most common snus brands, the tax cut corresponds to around NOK 5.50 per box, according to the retailer Snusbolaget. For portioned snus, the cut is NOK 2–3 per box, but it is not a given that manufacturers will cut their prices by the same amount.
– It will be exciting for consumers to see what actually happens. Some lower the prices fully, and some lower them quite a bit. Others raise the prices, says Snusbolaget’s communications manager Markus Lindblad.
Another tax change that will take place on Friday is that the plastic bag tax, which was introduced in spring 2020, will disappear. The fee of three kroner per bag had an immediate effect on bag sales, which fell significantly already in 2020. That year, the average Swede bought 55 plastic bags, compared to 74 bags the year before. Medel-Svensson’s bag consumption is now down to 17 per year, far below the EU target of 40 bags.
The question is whether plastic bag use will increase again when the tax disappears. The retail chains believe in a certain upswing, but say many customers have already got used to using online shopping to carry their groceries home.
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**Interview with Markus Lindblad, Communications Manager at Snusbolaget**
**Interviewer:** Markus, thank you for joining us. The recent tax changes on snuff and cigarettes have caused quite a stir. What are your thoughts on the government’s decision to cut snuff taxes while increasing cigarette taxes?
**Markus Lindblad:** Thank you for having me. It’s definitely an interesting move by the government. The rationale is clear—they want to reflect the harmful effects of smoking compared to snuff. It will be fascinating to see how consumers react to these changes.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. The tax cut on snuff is noteworthy, but it’s indicated that manufacturers may not pass on the full savings to consumers. Do you think this could lead to consumer distrust or dissatisfaction?
**Markus Lindblad:** That’s a possibility. Some companies might reduce their prices significantly, while others may not respond at all. It could create a varied market that confuses consumers.
**Interviewer:** And what about the plastic bag tax disappearing? Retail chains expect a potential increase in consumption. Do you think we could see a return to pre-2020 bag usage, or have habits really changed?
**Markus Lindblad:** Habits are tough to break, and many people have adapted to online shopping. While some consumers might revert back to using more plastic bags, I believe a significant number will stick with their new routines.
**Interviewer:** It will be intriguing to watch how these changes unfold. Now, for our readers: Do you think the government is making the right choice in separating the taxation of snuff and cigarettes? Will the removal of the plastic bag tax lead to more environmental harm? Join the debate!
