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Nicotine pouches, popular among youth, to be banned in France
France will ban nicotine pouches, capsules, and gums starting in March 2026, in what health associations have described as a major step forward in the fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction.
The measure, published in the Official Gazette, follows earlier restrictions, including the ban on disposable e-cigarettes and the prohibition of smoking in public spaces such as parks, beaches, and areas near schools, which came into effect in July 2025.
The Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity explained that nicotine is now officially classified as a poisonous substance due to its harmful effects, particularly on young people. The government stressed that these products carry a significant risk of initiating smoking habits among teenagers.
The popularity of nicotine pouches has grown rapidly worldwide. According to Global Market Insights, the industry was worth $6.6 billion in 2023 and could reach $27.4 billion by 2032. These products, placed between the lip and gum, contain polymer fibers infused with nicotine and flavorings but do not include tobacco leaves.
The Alliance Against Tobacco welcomed the ban, describing it as a "victory" against the tobacco industry, which increasingly invests in new nicotine products to offset the decline in cigarette consumption. However, manufacturers such as British American Tobacco France and Philip Morris France strongly criticized the government’s decision.