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.
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September 09, 2025 by rfi.fr
Anti-tobacco groups hail France's decision to ban nicotine pouches in 2026
France will ban nicotine sachets, balls, and gum due to toxicity concerns and addiction risks, effective from March 2026. The ban follows the prohibition of disposable e-cigarettes and aims to protect young people from nicotine-related dangers. The government's decision has been praised by anti-tobacco associations as a crucial measure. Critics argue the ban may deprive adult smokers of regulated alternatives and fuel illegal drug trafficking. Nicotine pouches are said to cause poisonings, especially among children and adolescents, leading to severe health issues. The move reflects a shift in tobacco regulation to tackle addiction and public health concerns.
August 04, 2025 by ginn.global
France Moves Toward Balanced Regulation of Nicotine Pouches
France is at a pivotal moment in determining the future of nicotine pouches, a tobacco-free oral product increasingly used by adult smokers as a lower-risk alternative to cigarettes. In 2024, the French government took a prohibitionist stance, notifying a draft decree that aimed to ban nicotine pouches entirely, including their production, sale, possession, and use. Framed as a youth protection measure, the proposal triggered immediate backlash from scientists, harm reduction advocates, and members of Parliament who viewed the move as excessive and counterproductive.
July 23, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
French nicotine pouch ban on hold amid EU backlash
France has delayed its ban on nicotine pouches until August 25 due to objections from seven EU countries. The proposed ban would treat nicotine pouches as dangerous substances, with penalties of up to five years in jail for possession. Critics argue banning these safer alternatives could worsen smoking rates. In contrast, Sweden, a leader in harm reduction, saw success in reducing smoking by supporting alternatives. France justifies the ban as a means to protect public health, while opponents, including pouch manufacturers, highlight the pouches' low risk profile compared to traditional smoking products. The EU-mandated pause allows France to reconsider its plan by the new deadline.
July 04, 2025 by cnn.com
France leads Europe in banning beach and park smoking
France has implemented a ban on smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children, with fines of up to 135 euros for violators. Despite efforts to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032, some citizens feel the restrictions encroach on personal freedoms. Smoking rates in France are declining, but the country still faces challenges with illicit tobacco consumption. The government aims to protect youth and combat smoking despite resistance from tobacco industry lobbying. The new regulations do not currently ban e-cigarettes but include restrictions on ingredients. The ultimate goal is to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects, with future steps possibly including further restrictions on smoking.
July 03, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
BAT France Welcomes New Standard for Nicotine Pouches
BAT France welcomed the new AFNOR experimental standard XP V37-500, ensuring safety, quality, and transparency of nicotine pouches by setting strict guidelines. Developed with industry experts, it covers key areas like product composition (natural nicotine capped at 16.6 mg), manufacturing (GMP and traceability), toxicological evaluation, packaging (complying with European standards), and labeling (nicotine content, ingredients, allergens, warnings). Sébastien Charbonneau, BAT France's public affairs director, praised the standard as providing quality assurance and transparency for adult consumers in professional networks.
July 03, 2025 by 2firsts.com
France Introduces Standard for Nicotine Pouches, Sets Strict Requirements
French Standardization Association AFNOR released XP V37-500, a new standard for nicotine pouches in France, allowing only specific ingredients and ≤16.6mg nicotine per pouch. It mandates GMP production, traceability, toxicity assessment, tamper-proof packaging, and ingredient labeling. AFNOR's role ensures national standardization compliance. The standard aligns with UK and Sweden regulations to combat illegal products and protect consumers. BAT France welcomes the standard, emphasizing industry progression and self-regulation efforts to safeguard adult smokers.
June 10, 2025 by europeaninterest.eu
EU should not copy France’s failed public health strategy
France's anti-tobacco policy, with high taxes and bans on safer quitting tools, is ineffective. Around 75,000 people annually die due to tobacco, costing €150 billion. The policy lacks public trust, pushing 1 in 4 French to buy cigarettes illegally. This distrust stems from taxes seen as money grabs. France needs harm reduction programs, truthful messaging, and evaluation beyond tax gains. Hoekstra's EU-wide tax proposal risks expanding failed policies. Sensible changes are necessary to combat smoking effectively. France must shift from punitive measures to supportive strategies promoting healthier choices for smokers.
May 28, 2025 by thesun.co.uk
Brit holiday warning as major destination BANS nicotine pouches – and visitors face ‘terrifying’ six-figure fine & jail
Carrying nicotine pouches in France can now lead to five years in jail and a £320,000 fine, stricter penalties than for heroin possession. The law change makes France the toughest European country on pouch control, causing concerns for British tourists. Law experts and campaigners criticize the disproportionate punishments, which affect even athletes and tourists unwittingly breaking the law. Other EU nations have imposed restrictions on pouches, but France's criminalization for personal use is unprecedented. Despite evidence of pouches' safety, the ban has taken effect, contrasting with harm reduction strategies in other countries like Sweden. The law's enforcement challenges and potential for a black market have raised further criticisms.
March 19, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #143 | FRANCE'S RADICAL VAPING OVERHAUL | Featuring Claude Bamberger
In the wake of a major vaping regulation overhaul in France, Claude Bamberger joins us to uncover the extent of the new disposable vape ban and where this leaves people who want to quit smoking.
March 12, 2025 by euronews.com
More than 200 influencers illegally promoted nicotine products in France, report finds
A French anti-tobacco group's report criticizes over 200 influencers for promoting nicotine products online in violation of French law since 2019. The report calls for stricter penalties and highlights the tobacco industry's efforts to target young people. Despite advertising bans, social media posts endorsing nicotine products persist. The influencers, with 1,000 to 20,000 followers, subtly advertise these products through events and competitions. The director of the group condemns the industry's actions, aiming to attract youth and create nicotine addiction. France aims to reduce smoking rates with regulations and price increases. Government response to these findings is pending.