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
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.
February 28, 2025 by filtermag.org
High-Smoking France Bans Disposable Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
France banned disposable vapes, following Belgium, to reduce youth vaping and pollution. The law includes nicotine pouches, sparking controversy among harm reduction advocates. Proponents argue that disposables help marginalized groups quit smoking, criticizing the decision for lacking scientific basis. The ban could push ex-smokers back to tobacco due to limited alternatives. France's move aligns with EU anti-tobacco harm reduction trends, with other countries also restricting vaping products. Critics worry about the impact on smoking cessation efforts and public health in France, questioning the authorities' motives. The ban ignores the success of harm reduction methods in other countries and risks undermining progress.
February 27, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
France Extends Ban to Nicotine Pouches
France, after banning disposable e-cigarettes, informed the European Commission of its upcoming ban on nicotine pouch sales, following other countries like Austria, Belgium, and Germany. The move was prompted by concerns over new tobacco products' impact, leading to regulatory action. The European nicotine pouch market is projected to grow to €1.06 billion by 2030. Despite being unregulated by the EU due to their lack of tobacco, discussions on taxing these products and revising the Tobacco Products Directive may take place under the Polish Presidency Council.
February 26, 2025 by euractiv.com
France bans nicotine pouches, as EU war on product escalates
France has notified the European Commission of its decision to ban nicotine pouches, joining countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg in restricting these products. While still unregulated at the EU level, France's move follows its recent ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Regulators have been monitoring the industry, and growing health concerns prompted government action. A loophole in the 2014 Tobacco Products Directive allowed tobacco-free nicotine pouches to evade regulation, which major tobacco companies have exploited by heavily investing in these products.
February 26, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
France Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes
France has officially prohibited the sale of pre-filled and non-refillable vaping devices to combat youth nicotine use and waste. The ban, not affecting refillable cartridges, was passed by unanimous vote in Parliament. Ex-Green Party Deputy Francesca Pasquini proposed the law after consulting with the EU, aiming to restrict products attractive to youth with sweet flavors and affordable prices. This action aligns with global worries about e-cigarette marketing as a safer alternative to smoking.
February 26, 2025 by rfi.fr
France becomes second European country to ban disposable e-cigarettes
France banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, aiming to protect youth from tobacco addiction and environmental harm. The bill prohibits the sale of pre-filled devices without refillable options. This measure, following EU recommendations, targets the attractiveness of flavored, affordable e-cigarettes to young users. The move aligns with the EU's goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2040. Belgium was the first country to implement such a ban. The United Kingdom plans a similar prohibition. The author of the bill hopes France's action will inspire other nations to follow suit.
February 14, 2025 by entrevue.fr
Parliament definitively bans e-cigarettes "puffs"
France has officially banned disposable electronic cigarettes, or "puffs," to reduce ecological impact and discourage use by young people. The Senate's final vote supported the National Assembly's decision, aligning with EU measures. France joins Belgium in this ban, while the UK plans a similar prohibition by June in response to health and environmental concerns.