On February 25th, the ban on disposable e-cigarettes in France officially took effect. In order to understand the changes in the e-cigarette market in Paris after the ban, 2Firsts recently conducted field visits and research at the wholesale markets frequented by the Chinese community in Paris.
The customer base of the Chinese wholesale market consists mainly of Indian and Pakistani retailers and Chinese retail stores, which is quite different from the distribution channels of compliant pod systems (2ml products). Compliant pod systems are mainly sold through chain retail stores, tobacco channels, and gas stations, among other formal channels. Research has found that many wholesalers in the Chinese wholesale market have willingly stopped selling disposable e-cigarettes (2ml) and illegally oversized disposable e-cigarettes after the ban, and have actively shifted towards selling compliant market products. Currently, the main products being sold in this area are 2+10 products and high-capacity refillable products.
In terms of product acceptance, the area has a relatively low acceptance of refill products. This is due to the refill products having a capacity of only 2ml, which is significantly less cost-effective compared to larger capacity refillable products and 2+10 products. This has made it difficult for wholesalers to effectively promote sales of the refill products.
In the large capacity oil injection market, FUMOT and JNR are the main brands. Currently, JNR has surpassed the former market leader FUMOT to become the top brand in the market and is facing shortages. It is worth noting that consumers have had almost no grace period after the ban was implemented, and there is a high level of acceptance for transitioning from non-compliant products to compliant products.
Although all stores carry 2ml refillable products, their sales are extremely low. Some store owners are concerned about the risk of innovative products (such as 2+10 and large-capacity refillable options) being inspected, so they only provide them to consumers in picture form for selection.
Currently, disposable e-cigarettes have been completely banned from sale in Paris. However, some wholesalers from Afghanistan and the Middle East are still selling them openly. The Chinese black market has also largely achieved full compliance with regulations.
In addition, the police will conduct periodic inspections of wholesalers. Many wholesalers have reported a rapid decline in sales since the ban was implemented. However, they are optimistic about the prospects for large-capacity refillable products. Brands like JNR and Fumot have already obtained compliance qualifications, and as long as e-liquid is packaged separately, it can pass government inspections.
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