cityscape of Helsinki and the Uspenski Cathedral.

15% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 697,594 current smokers in Finland

18.6% of men are current smokers but only 13.6% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Finland
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-07-23

Smoking in Finland

The overall smoking prevalence in Finland has been decreasing since 2006. 19.7% of the adult population in Finland are current smokers, down from 26% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 912,299 smokers in the country. 21% of men smoke and for women the figure is 18.3%.

The most recent data show there were 5,129 annual deaths from tobacco-smoking related diseases (approximately 1,500 women and 3,600 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 11.51% (women: 5.8%; and men: 13.9%).

Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Finland and there are 38,300 vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 0.82%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places.

There is no specific law on heated tobacco products and the situation is quite complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be marketed and it is available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in Finland is worth €88.7 million.

For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

5,129

Deaths

5129 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Finland.

88.7 million €

Market size of NRT.

Estimated NRT market size is 88.7 million €.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Finland

Finland abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). In Finland, e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco related products and are regulated by the Tobacco Act 2016 (non-nicotine single use e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco substitutes). Nicotine products (i.e. nicotine replacement therapy - NRT) used in smoking cessation have to be approved by the Finnish Medicines Agency, and these are classified as medicines; no e-cigarettes have been approved as medicines to date. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited, including in vehicles where minors under 15 years are present. There is a total advertising ban. Internet and cross-border sales of e-cigarettes are illegal. Only tobacco flavoured and unflavoured fluid is allowed for sale; candy or fruit flavours are prohibited. A tax on e-cigarette liquid of €0.30 per ml (€3.00 per standard bottle) was introduced on 1st January 2017, and applies to 'nicotine free' as well as nicotine-containing fluids.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Finland

Heated tobacco products are not regulated in Finland.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Finland

Estimated NRT market size is 88.7 million €. In Finland it is legal to purchase nicotine without using NRT prescription. Advertising of NRT is allowed. You can buy NRT in many general shops without a prescription.

Snus

in Finland

Adult using snus prevalence is 1%. The prevalence of daily using snus among adults is 4%. The sale of Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Finland.

Pouches

in Finland

Adult using pouches prevalence is 1%. The prevalence of daily using pouches among adults is 6%. Pouches are allowed.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.