AT SWEDISH MATCH
WE MAKE NICOTINE PRODUCTS,
AND WE’RE TAKING STEPS TO HELP KEEP OUR PRODUCTS ACCESSIBLE ONLY TO ADULT NICOTINE USERS 21+.
We have a plan in place, but we need the help of policymakers and social media platforms to keep up their end of the bargain. While we do not use social media influencers, some platforms that cultivate influencer culture and publish user-generated content can increase unwanted underage interest in nicotine products. Together we can find workable solutions.
Our comprehensive 10-point action plan for ZYN covers our actions for responsible marketing, compliance, enforcement, and innovation.
OUR 10-POINT ACTION PLAN
AGE-GATED WEBSITE ACCESS
We enforce rigorous online age verification (21+) for our branded websites, deploying third-party systems to independently confirm the age of every visitor.
MYSTERY SHOPPING
We support the FDA’s mystery shopper program to check retailer compliance with the federal law for minimum age of purchase. We regularly monitor inspection reports and take appropriate actions with our retail partners.
RESPONSIBLE MARKETING
Our marketing and advertising are strictly directed to adult (21+) current nicotine consumers. We employ robust age verification systems like “Double Verify” to help prevent access to digital advertising from those under 21. Our advertising features only individuals aged 35 and over.
RETAIL TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT
We are a founding board member and investor in TruAge®, a free retail technology that gives stores a more accurate way to detect fake IDs and restrict underage access.
RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL MEDIA
Our policies prohibit the use of social media influencers. We routinely request removal of inappropriate content online.
FDA COMPLIANCE
We submit our products to the FDA for review and authorization. We were the first to achieve modified risk tobacco product authorization for one of our snus products. We also comply with all additional FDA marketing requirements.
INNOVATION FOR AGE RESTRICTION
We invest in exploring new technologies to limit the visibility and restrict access to nicotine products for those under 21.
ENFORCEMENT
We work with the Department of Homeland Security to support efforts to curtail the sale of illegal and unauthorized nicotine products.
RESPONSIBLE RETAIL PRACTICES
We serve as an Advisory Council member for We Card, championing comprehensive training for retail employees, alongside in-store signage emphatically underscoring the minimum age of 21 for purchasing nicotine products.
MONITORING UNDERAGE USE
We closely monitor underage use through the CDC and FDA National Youth Tobacco Survey, and the reported use rates for nicotine pouches remain very low.
