Just two weeks after implementing a ban on disposable e - cigarettes, France informed the European Commission that it would also prohibit the sale of nicotine pouches. This action aligns France with nations such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.




According to a source within the tobacco industry, who spoke to Euractiv, "The French decree comes on the heels of the 13 February decision to ban disposable e - cigarettes. French regulators have been closely observing the trends in the new tobacco products segment. Concerns among health authorities grew, prompting the government to utilize the legislative tools at its disposal."


The European nicotine pouch market is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 6.2%. By 2030, it could potentially reach a value of €1.06 billion. The 2014 European Tobacco Products Directive encompassed all conventional tobacco - based products and had stipulations for new tobacco items. However, since nicotine pouches are tobacco - free, they currently lack regulation at the EU level.


Tobacco and nicotine products are not part of the EU's 2025 agenda. Nevertheless, the Polish Presidency Council (which, together with Denmark and Cyprus, holds the top position in the Commission until June) intends to initiate discussions on taxing alternative tobacco products and may even consider amending the Tobacco Products Directive.