France will ban all “nicotine-containing products for oral use, except for medications and medical devices” starting 2026. Photo credit: Jakubdrastich2, CC4.0.
France will stop sales of nicotine pouches, beads, and chewing gum in March 2026, according to a decree published September 6 in the Journal Officiel.
The government first outlined its plan to restrict these nicotine products in autumn 2024, citing an increase in poisoning cases among teenagers.
The decree states that the regulation will take effect in 6 months and will cover all “nicotine-containing products for oral use, except for medications and medical devices.”
Products listed under the new rule include “portion sachets” or “porous sachets,” as well as beads, pastes, liquids, chewing gum, lozenges, strips, or any combination of these forms.
This decision comes after France prohibited the sale of disposable e-cigarettes at the end of February. Since July 1, smoking has also been restricted in public spaces such as parks, gardens, beaches, and areas near schools.
Health minister Catherine Vautrin said the move to stop sales of nicotine pouches reflects her commitment to addressing “risks associated with addiction.”
The global pouch market was valued at US$6.6 billion (€5.6 billion) in 2023, according to Global Markets Insights, and could reach US$27.4 billion (€23.4 billion) by 2032.
British American Tobacco France criticized what it called France’s “dogmatic approach, without debate or consultation,” warning it could “deprive adult smokers of regulated alternatives” to traditional tobacco.
Philip Morris France also denounced the move, accusing the government of “persisting with an ineffective ban strategy.”
The tobacconists’ confederation described the decision as a “foretold victory for drug trafficking.”