France Approves Ban on Disposable Flavored E-Cigarettes
The French Parliament finalizes legislation to prohibit the sale of 'puffs', targeting youth consumption amidst growing health and environmental concerns.
On February 13, 2023, the French Parliament definitively approved a ban on disposable flavored e-cigarettes, commonly known as 'puffs', which have gained popularity among young people.
This legislation was enacted following a unanimous vote in the National Assembly the previous week and a subsequent raising of hands in the Senate, marking the conclusion of a two-year legislative journey that included input from the European Commission.
The ban, initially proposed by former Green Party member Francesca Pasquini, addresses concerns about the appeal of these products, which include flavors such as mint, strawberry, watermelon, and chocolate, attractive packaging, and low cost, all while presenting proven risks of addiction.
Reports from Senators Khalifé Khalifé (Les Républicains) and Anne Souyris (Green Party) underscored the marketing strategies of the e-cigarette industry, which they criticized for targeting youth with appealing designs and sweet flavors.
The legislation aims to remove these disposable vaping devices from schools, colleges, and public spaces.
Patrick Mignola, the Minister for Relations with Parliament, emphasized that the move represents a significant step towards reducing tobacco consumption among younger generations, while also calling attention to the environmental issues posed by disposable e-cigarette batteries.
The Ligue contre le cancer (League Against Cancer) commended the decision as a major victory in the dual battles against ecological harm and public health risks associated with e-cigarettes, urging further bans on nicotine products to protect youth.
As a result of this legislation, France is poised to become the second European country, following Belgium, to prohibit the commercialization of disposable e-cigarettes, a trend mirrored in the United Kingdom, which has announced it will enforce a ban by June.
The new law prohibits the sale and distribution within France of 'pre-filled' devices that cannot be refilled, irrespective of whether they possess a rechargeable battery.
This approach was attuned to align with recommendations from the European Commission, which consented to the primary proposals but excluded devices that may be refillable while having a non-rechargeable battery.
Concerns about potential market adaptations were raised, with the National Committee Against Tobacco expressing apprehension regarding manufacturers who may continue to market products that appeal to youth through various flavors despite the disposable nature of e-cigarettes.
Francesca Pasquini noted that this decision, closely monitored by other nations, could provide a model for similar legislation elsewhere, underscoring an emerging global focus on youth vaping and the necessary regulatory responses.
Current statistics reveal that approximately 15% of adolescents aged 13 to 16 in France have used e-cigarettes, with 47% indicating they initiated their nicotine use through these devices, as reported by a BVA survey for Alliance Against Tobacco in 2023. Lawmakers have also called on the government to uphold its commitments to banning another nicotine product, known as 'pouches'.
This legislation was enacted following a unanimous vote in the National Assembly the previous week and a subsequent raising of hands in the Senate, marking the conclusion of a two-year legislative journey that included input from the European Commission.
The ban, initially proposed by former Green Party member Francesca Pasquini, addresses concerns about the appeal of these products, which include flavors such as mint, strawberry, watermelon, and chocolate, attractive packaging, and low cost, all while presenting proven risks of addiction.
Reports from Senators Khalifé Khalifé (Les Républicains) and Anne Souyris (Green Party) underscored the marketing strategies of the e-cigarette industry, which they criticized for targeting youth with appealing designs and sweet flavors.
The legislation aims to remove these disposable vaping devices from schools, colleges, and public spaces.
Patrick Mignola, the Minister for Relations with Parliament, emphasized that the move represents a significant step towards reducing tobacco consumption among younger generations, while also calling attention to the environmental issues posed by disposable e-cigarette batteries.
The Ligue contre le cancer (League Against Cancer) commended the decision as a major victory in the dual battles against ecological harm and public health risks associated with e-cigarettes, urging further bans on nicotine products to protect youth.
As a result of this legislation, France is poised to become the second European country, following Belgium, to prohibit the commercialization of disposable e-cigarettes, a trend mirrored in the United Kingdom, which has announced it will enforce a ban by June.
The new law prohibits the sale and distribution within France of 'pre-filled' devices that cannot be refilled, irrespective of whether they possess a rechargeable battery.
This approach was attuned to align with recommendations from the European Commission, which consented to the primary proposals but excluded devices that may be refillable while having a non-rechargeable battery.
Concerns about potential market adaptations were raised, with the National Committee Against Tobacco expressing apprehension regarding manufacturers who may continue to market products that appeal to youth through various flavors despite the disposable nature of e-cigarettes.
Francesca Pasquini noted that this decision, closely monitored by other nations, could provide a model for similar legislation elsewhere, underscoring an emerging global focus on youth vaping and the necessary regulatory responses.
Current statistics reveal that approximately 15% of adolescents aged 13 to 16 in France have used e-cigarettes, with 47% indicating they initiated their nicotine use through these devices, as reported by a BVA survey for Alliance Against Tobacco in 2023. Lawmakers have also called on the government to uphold its commitments to banning another nicotine product, known as 'pouches'.
