Swedish Match Welcomes An Important Step to Normalize Trade in the EU

Source from:  Tobacco International 04/14/2009

Stockholm - Swedish Match recently announced that the Swiss government has made a significant step towards lifting the ban on the export of Swedish snus to consumers located in the European Union by asking the EU commission for a review of the export ban. "The government's move is an important first step towards the normalization of Sweden's trade relationship with the rest of the EU. Swedish Match looks forward to the current ban being replaced by clear product regulation that would allow us to compete with our quality products on the same conditions as other Swedish companies," said Patrik Hildingsson, Vice President Public Affairs at Swedish Match when commenting on the decision made by the Swedish government "The export ban on snus has always been difficult to justify. For Swedish Match, Sweden's membership of the EU has effectively shut the doors to neighbouring markets, contradicting the founding principles of the EU to open up for increased trade. Regulations banning the export of traditional products do not belong in a union founded on free trade," Hildingsson said. Enditem