Smoking in France
Smoking is regulated and allowed in France but there are some restrictions and regulations on tobacco. Under these regulations, the sale of cigarettes is permitted only in tobacco shops (le bureau de tabac) with a license. Purchasing cigarettes online and from vending machines is not permitted, while importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with an appropriate license. All forms of advertising of tobacco products including cigarettes are banned. Additionally, health warnings on cigarette packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchasing them is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to a total taxation rate of 83.78%, and an excise tax rate of 12%. Despite these regulatory measures, in 2024, France had around 15.7 million current adult smokers, representing an adult current smoking prevalence of 28.3%. Among adult males, the current smoking prevalence was 31.5%, while among adult females it was 25.5% in 2024. Back in 2022, this prevalence was 29.2%. The adult daily smoking prevalence was 22.7% in 2023. Mortality data show that in 2021 tobacco smoking led to 54,940 deaths in the country, including 40,956 among males and 13,984 among females. Overall, smoking comprised 8.55% of all deaths in France in 2021, including 12.7% of male deaths and 4.37% of female deaths.
Read articles from France
November 01, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
France to Ban Nicotine Pouches
The French government plans to ban nicotine pouches due to concerns over underage use and high nicotine content. Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq stated that the ban targets products marketed to young people. Nicotine companies promote pouches as safer than cigarettes, but Darrieussecq warns of addiction risks, especially among youth. Advocates for tobacco harm reduction criticize the ban, arguing that it eliminates a safer alternative for smokers. However, doubts exist about the ban's effectiveness, as seen in Germany where similar products remain popular despite being officially banned.
October 31, 2024 by politico.eu
France plans ban on nicotine pouches
France is planning to ban nicotine pouches, which have become popular among teenagers, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq announced. She described these pouches as dangerous due to their high nicotine content and expressed concern over marketing targeting young people. Nicotine pouches, placed under the lip to deliver nicotine, are promoted as a safer alternative to cigarettes. However, Darrieussecq warned that they pose similar risks, especially when used by teenagers rather than former smokers. The ban is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
October 22, 2024 by vaping360.com
French Vape Organization SOVAPE Will Shut Down
French consumer vaping organization, SOVAPE, will dissolve after facing challenges from industry restrictions, accusations of ties to tobacco, and attacks on its mission. Established in 2016 and known for its Vape Summits, SOVAPE conducted surveys on vaping, but was recently barred due to conflicts of interest. The organization cited censorship and misinformation as reasons for its closure and will donate remaining funds to health-related institutes. Expressing disappointment at the inability to continue advocating for harm reduction, SOVAPE will preserve its online presence but cease its active fight for safer smoking alternatives.
October 17, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
France set to hike e-liquid tax by 38%
France plans to raise e-liquid taxes by 38%, imposing a €0.15 flat tax per milliliter. FiVape warns this could hinder smoking cessation efforts, with independent vape companies most affected. The move is seen as a result of tobacco industry lobbying to combat vaping's popularity. The law would increase prices by 25% for 10 ml and 38% for 50 ml e-liquids, disproportionately impacting smaller companies. Disposable vapes may face a 7.5% hike. FiVape criticizes the government for favoring closed system tobacco products over open vaping. They argue that taxing vaping as Big Tobacco desires is detrimental to public health, the environment, and ethics, potentially discouraging smokers from quitting.
October 14, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
French consumer vaping organisation SOVAPE dissolves itself
French consumer vaping organization SOVAPE is closing down due to obstacles including restrictions on conducting surveys and unfounded accusations. Established in 2016, SOVAPE organized vape summits and contributed to tobacco harm reduction efforts. Despite aiding in raising awareness about vaping benefits, the organization faced attacks and misinformation. Its final donations will support health organizations and vaping groups. Recent surveys showed high recognition of vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation, but misinformation persists. SOVAPE regrets the inability to continue promoting harm reduction in France but remains proud of its efforts to save lives through vaping advocacy.
October 02, 2024 by filtermag.org
“Merci la Vape”—French Advocates Counter Relentless Anti-Vape Moves
French tobacco harm reduction faces challenges despite high smoking rates. Activists united to produce the white paper "Merci la vape," advocating for vaping benefits and fighting misinformation. Backed by crowdfunding, it includes a major survey revealing the impact of vaping on smoking cessation. Efforts include a petition against proposed anti-vape measures. The European Commission’s support for a disposable vape ban in France raises concerns. Philip Poirson of Sovape explains the goals behind the initiative, aiming to inform policymakers and change harmful regulations. Despite opposition and negative press, they aim to influence tobacco harm reduction policies positively.
September 27, 2024 by euractiv.com
Commission gives green light to French disposable e-cigarettes ban
The European Commission approved France's decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes to reduce waste and youth vaping risks, in compliance with the Tobacco Products Directive. The ban aims to address health risks and environmental concerns of nicotine in non-recyclable e-cigarettes. France's move follows similar actions by Belgium, Germany, and Ireland. The colorful and flavored disposable e-cigarettes are popular among youth, with concerns that they lead to cigarette smoking. The ban, supported by former Health Minister Vautrin, aims to reduce nicotine addiction among young users. Refillable e-cigarettes were not included in the ban. French President Macron is now required to enforce the law.
September 26, 2024 by connexionfrance.com
EU gives go-ahead for France to ban disposable vapes
The European Commission approved France's ban on disposable vapes to protect children and the environment. France aims to ban single-use e-cigarettes by 2025 due to health risks and appeal to young people. Refillable e-cigarettes with nicotine and rechargeable batteries are not included in the ban. The move is supported by health officials to combat smoking. Belgium is also prohibiting disposable vapes. Concerns include microplastics, chemicals, and addiction risks. The availability of fruity flavors in cheap, disposable vapes attracts teenagers, contributing to nicotine exposure. Public health efforts and environmental concerns prompt the ban and opposition to the sale of these products, emphasizing the health risks posed by puffs.
June 20, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
EXCLUSIVE: French and German governments sign onto EU wide flavour ban
A new document supported by France, Germany, and other EU countries calls for a ban on flavors in nicotine products. To protect children, the paper asks for stricter regulations on marketing tobacco and nicotine on digital platforms. It will be discussed at an upcoming EU health ministers' meeting. The document urges the European Commission to propose measures to safeguard youth from the risks of tobacco and nicotine. It also suggests social media platforms take more responsibility for marketing these products. The paper contrasts with the European Parliament's support for vaping as a smoking cessation aid. This move has raised concerns, especially with France's involvement potentially impacting domestic politics.
April 04, 2024 by medscape.com
France Takes Another Step Toward Banning E-Cigarettes
French lawmakers have agreed on a bill to ban disposable e-cigarettes like Puff and Vaze by 2024 due to their popularity among young people and concerns about nicotine content and environmental impact. Despite restrictions on sales to minors, a survey shows easy access to these devices. The ban aims to prevent teen smoking initiation and address environmental pollution caused by e-cigarette components. The bill, supported by various political parties, awaits European Commission approval. Health Minister Vautrin hopes for a ban by the end of 2024, following similar actions in Belgium.