Read articles from France

February 14, 2025 by france24.com

The French parliament voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes due to concerns about teen nicotine addiction and environmental impact. The bill passed in the Senate, making France the second EU country to implement such a ban after Belgium. Lawmakers emphasized the health risks and environmental harm associated with pre-filled e-cigarettes popular among youth. The legislation is part of broader government efforts to combat smoking, contributing to the EU's goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2040. The ban aims to protect adolescents from the negative effects of nicotine consumption and reduce the overall smoking population in the EU.

February 03, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

On 23rd January, the joint committee responsible for shaping the legislation approved a bill amending the Code of Public Health to enforce the ban. The bill will be examined by the Senate (upper house of Parliament) during the second week of February.

December 05, 2024 by connexionfrance.com

The French Health Minister supported extending smoking bans to outdoor areas like hospital surroundings and restaurant terraces, approved by EU Member States except for Germany and Greece. A proposal to ban smoking in various outdoor spaces was passed, but a vote on banning e-cigarettes did not pass due to differences with traditional tobacco views. The European Commission recommended banning emerging products like e-cigarettes citing health risks and WHO warnings. The EU aims for a smoke-free generation by 2040, with some disagreeing on banning smoking in cafe and restaurant terraces but supporting smoke-free areas near schools and care centers.

November 07, 2024 by eureporter.co

France’s plan to ban nicotine pouches seems like a counterproductive step that may increase the illegal trade of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Instead, adopting a harm-reduction approach like Sweden’s could be more beneficial for public health. Sweden's model has been effective in reducing smoking rates, bringing the country close to achieving its smoke-free target. Nicotine pouches have become popular in France, particularly among people looking to quit smoking. However, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has called them "dangerous products" due to their high nicotine content, and a ban is expected to be announced soon.

November 05, 2024 by vapingpost.com

The tobacco harm reduction situation in France has moved from shock to horror, as the local government has announced a ban on nicotine pouches (NPs), the same products which in other countries, such as Sweden, have contributed to record-low smoking rates.

November 01, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

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 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 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 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 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.