Anti-tobacco groups hail France's decision to ban nicotine pouches in 2026
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.
28.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 15.7 million current smokers in France.
SOURCE: GSTHR