Brussels, Monday 8 September
Tobacco Europe’s statement on France’s ban of nicotine pouches
Tobacco Europe takes note of the French government’s decision to ban nicotine pouches as of March 2026.
We regret that France has chosen a prohibitionist approach, rather than engaging in a science-based debate about the role of less harmful nicotine alternatives in reducing the burden of smoking. Evidence from several European countries shows that nicotine pouches, when properly regulated, can contribute to reducing smoking prevalence by offering adult smokers alternatives to continued cigarette use.
Banning an entire category of products denies adult consumers access to alternatives to traditional tobacco products for smoking. This policy risks being counterproductive for public health objectives to reduce smoking prevalence, and will likely lead to an increase in illicit trade.
Tobacco Europe continues to support the development of proportionate regulation for all nicotine products, with strict rules on quality, safety, marketing, and youth access prevention. Such an approach can both protect young people and support adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke.
We urge European policymakers to ensure that future regulations are proportionate – guided by scientific evidence, consumer needs, and the goal of reducing tobacco-related disease – rather than by prohibition.
