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
February 24, 2026 by connexionfrance.com
E-cigarettes pose health risks, warns France’s health watchdog
A report by the French public health watchdog warns against using e-cigarettes casually due to potential health risks like cancer and cardiovascular issues. While they can aid in quitting traditional cigarettes, the ultimate goal should be to quit vapes too. Anses advises against raising taxes on e-cigarettes to prevent users turning to homemade products with harmful ingredients. The agency calls for more regulations, banning risky ingredients, and discouraging vaping among non-smokers and youth. Health professionals are urged not to recommend vapes as smoking cessation aids.
February 12, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Majority of French smokers turning to cross-border and illegal markets as prices rise, study finds
A survey by Ifop reveals that many French smokers buy cigarettes from abroad due to high taxes and regulations. Over half sourced products internationally, with wealthier consumers often traveling for cheaper options. Illicit markets are also prevalent, particularly among young, low-income individuals. The study found illegal vapes still in use despite bans. Cost primarily influences consumer choices, with many willing to turn to non-traditional channels if prices rise. Despite concerns, safety risks do not deter buyers. The research, based on 3,000 respondents, highlights the complex nature of France's tobacco and vaping market behavior.
February 04, 2026 by rfi.fr
French watchdog flags heart, lung and cancer risks as vape use grows
France's health agencies warn about the risks of vaping, including heart, lung, and cancer dangers, especially among teenagers. Anses cautions that vaping is not risk-free and can have long-term health effects. While vaping is seen as an alternative to smoking, it is not without risks, with concerns over exposure to toxic substances like aldehydes. Nicotine-containing products may impact cardiovascular health, respiratory systems, and potentially cancer development. The agency advises that vaping, while potentially aiding smoking cessation, should be temporary. An increase in long-term vaping among users is noted, especially among former smokers. Teens are drawn to vaping for various reasons, posing unique challenges. Long-term cancer risks are still being studied, particularly among non-smokers.
September 29, 2025 by vaping360.com
French Nicotine Pouch Ban Even Prohibits Personal Possession
France will enforce a total ban on nicotine pouches starting in March 2026, following a decree from the health ministry. Despite objections from other EU countries, the government argues the measure is needed to protect public health, especially young people, as nicotine is deemed a health hazard.
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.