13.8% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 37,000 current smokers in Iceland
Smoking in Iceland
The overall smoking prevalence in Iceland has decreased since 2000. 13.8% of the adult population in Iceland are current smokers, down from 30% in 2000. This means there are now approximately 37,251 smokers in the country. 13.9% of men smoke (down from 33% in 2000) and for women the figure is 13.7% (down from 27% in 2000).
The most recent data show there were 365 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (190 women and 175 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 16.35% (women: 17.4%; and men: 15.2%).
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Iceland and the current adult vaping prevalence of 4%. Vapes are regulated as both consumer and medicinal products in Iceland.
Heated tobacco products cannot be marketed, and while Swedish snus is banned, Icelanders import a slightly different cut of what is officially known as nasal tobacco.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be marketed and it is available to buy in many general shops without a prescription.
For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Deaths
365 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Iceland.
e-cigarette vaping
The prevalence of current e-cigarette vaping among adults is 4%.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Iceland
Heated tobacco products are not regulated in Iceland.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Iceland
The Icelandic government is the first government to vote in a law specific to electronic cigarettes with no ties to tobacco regulation. The law came into force on February 1st 2019, after a long legal battle with lobby groups. Since 2014, with no legislation in place, tobacco consumption fell by 40% in Iceland, whilst there was a growth in the snus and e-cigarette market. For under 18's, the smoking rate is under 2%. In 18-24-year-olds, there are twice as many vapers as there are smokers. The new law allows the advertising of vaping products, and there will be no volume limitation on e-liquids, although nicotine content will be limited to 2%. There will be a tax of 0.9% applied to vaping products which will go towards anti-smoking initiatives.
Snus
in Iceland
Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Iceland.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Iceland
In Iceland is legal to purchase nicotine without prescription to using NRT. Advertising NRT is allowed. NRT is available in many general shops without a prescription.