France bans nicotine pouches - with jail and fines threatened

France has become one of the first European countries to impose a total ban on oral nicotine pouches.

The controversial move, which officially came into effect on May 26, 2025, has sparked angry debate across public health circles, the tobacco industry, and among British travellers heading to France.

Here we look at what the ban could mean, who it affects, and what you risk if you ignore it.

Taking nicotine pouches to France? Read this first  (Credit: Swenico/Unsplash)

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small, white, smokeless sachets that deliver nicotine without tobacco. Placed under the lip, they are marketed as a cleaner, less harmful alternative to cigarettes and vapes.

Many brands are particularly popular in the UK and Scandinavia, where they are often used as tools to quit smoking.

However, their rise in popularity – especially among teens and non-smokers – has led to growing concerns from public health experts.

Why has France banned nicotine pouches?

The French government announced its intent to ban all oral nicotine products in early 2025, citing serious health concerns. The new law defines banned products as “nicotine-containing substances intended for oral use” – covering pouches, gums, lozenges, pearls, and liquids.

According to French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq, the products are highly addictive and particularly appealing to young people due to their flavoured varieties and discreet use. Poison control centres also reported a rise in nicotine poisoning cases, particularly among children.

To protect public health, especially minors, the government invoked Article L.5132-8 of the French Public Health Code, which allows for the prohibition of substances deemed harmful outside medical use.

What does the ban cover?

The ban prohibits:

• Production

• Import and export

• Sale and distribution

• Possession and use

This applies across mainland France and all overseas territories. Even personal possession of nicotine pouches can now lead to legal trouble.

What are the penalties?

The penalties for breaking the new law are severe:

• Up to five years in prison

• Fines up to €375,000

To put that in context, possession of heroin in France carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a €3,200 fine. This means nicotine pouches are now legally treated more harshly than Class A drugs.

What has the response been?

The French Council of State advised against the ban, arguing it might be disproportionate and could harm tobacco harm-reduction strategies. Despite this, the government proceeded.

Industry groups, including British American Tobacco, criticised the move, saying pouches offer a less harmful alternative to smoking and could support public health goals by helping people quit cigarettes.

Sweden – a major exporter of nicotine pouches – has formally objected to the law, claiming it violates EU free trade principles and lacks scientific justification. The European Commission may delay or even block the implementation pending review.

What could this mean for Brit travellers heading to France?

If you're travelling to France – even just passing through – it is now illegal to carry nicotine pouches, regardless of whether they were legally purchased elsewhere.

This could catch out British tourists especially. With the UK banning disposable vapes from June 1, 2025, many smokers and vapers are switching to pouches as an alternative. But bringing them into France now carries real risk – including potential jail time and massive fines.

In conclusion...

France’s ban on nicotine pouches marks a major escalation in Europe’s approach to nicotine regulation. While the government frames it as a health-first policy, critics warn it could drive users to more dangerous habits or an underground market.

It could also leave British travellers open to large fines - or potentially jail time - if they are not up to date with this new law when heading across the Channel to France. 

For now, anyone planning to visit France should leave their pouches at home – or potentially face serious legal consequences.

 

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