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 03, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com
France is Next EU Country Poised to Ban Disposable Vapes Amid Regulatory Push
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
France supports EU initiative to extend outdoor smoking ban
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
Paris’ plans to ban nicotine pouches do not add value to public health
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
France Has Decided to Ban Nicotine Pouches Despite Their Known Effectivity For Smoking Cessation
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
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.