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France’s decision to ban disposable vaping devices aligns with Europe’s escalating efforts to tackle youth vaping and reduce environmental harm from single-use products, positioning the country as one of the key players in the growing push for stricter vaping regulations across the continent.
On 23rd January, the joint committee responsible for shaping the legislation approved a bill amending the Code of Public Health to enforce the ban. The bill will be examined by the Senate (upper house of Parliament) during the second week of February.
A joint committee is convened by the government after reading a draft or proposed law in the National Assembly (lower house) and the Senate to find a compromise on the text. Seven deputies, seven senators, and their substitutes are called upon. Without an agreement, the text may undergo a new reading. In case of persistent disagreement, the government may ask the National Assembly to make a final decision.
In this case, it seems likely the law will be approved, which would make France the second EU country to ban disposable vapes after Belgium, where the ban officially came into force earlier this month.
France secured European Commission approval for its disposable vape ban in the autumn of 2023. The measure would only apply to vapes intended to be marketed in France and exclude disposable vaping products that are refillable but have a non-rechargeable battery. The Commission accepted the argument from French authorities that other available, less-restrictive measures would not be as effective as the ban.
This decision marks a significant victory for health and environmental advocates, who had long warned about the dangers posed by single-use e-cigarettes.
Industry associations predictably against more restrictions
However, the regulatory landscape is not without its challenges, particularly from industry groups such as the French vaping industry association Fivape, which has voiced concerns over the government’s decision to ban disposables, as well as related regulatory trends taking shape in the EU.
Apart from the proposed law, which is currently under parliamentary review, France has so far implemented only those measures required by the EU under the current version of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD2), applicable to all EU member states since May 2016.
The new regulatory landscape in neighbouring countries – such as Belgium’s ban – is creating a threatening trend for the French vape market, particularly for independent players not affiliated with the tobacco industry.
Fivape argues that while the intent to protect young people from the harms of vaping is important, the ban on disposables could have unintended consequences. The association points out that disposable vapes provide an exit strategy for adult smokers looking to quit, and restricting access to these products could reduce the availability of potentially less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
While Fivape acknowledges the need for regulation, it also says that such bans may not be the most effective approach. Instead, it calls for clearer, more balanced regulations that ensure product safety while still allowing adults access to harm-reduction alternatives.
Vaping regulations trending up across Europe
These decisions in Belgium and France are part of a broader regulatory trend emerging across the EU. In Ireland, for example, health minister Stephen Donnelly secured Cabinet approval in September 2023 to draft legislation banning flavoured and disposable vapes.
In the wake of the 29th November 2024 elections, last week the two centre-right parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, reached an agreement after extensive negotiations, including a rotation of the taoiseach (prime minister) position: Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil will serve as taoiseach until 2027, after which Simon Harris of Fine Gael will take over the role.
The coalition government programme introduces wide-ranging vaping regulations, including restrictions on packaging, flavours and point-of-sale advertising, as well as a ban on disposable vapes. These measures were part of Fianna Fáil’s election manifesto.
The UK, no longer an EU member, is also preparing to implement a ban on disposable vaping devices, set to take effect in June. This move signals that concerns over youth vaping and environmental harm transcend EU borders, underscoring a growing global consensus on stricter regulation of vaping products.
– Antonia Di Lorenzo ECigIntelligence staff
Photo: Romain B
