Key Points：
·Ban Scope: The production, manufacture, transport, import, export, possession, offer/sale, purchase, and use of these products are prohibited within France.
·Formats include: nicotine pouches (including porous pouches), pastes, beads, liquids, chewing gum, lozenges, films/strips, etc. (regardless of whether the nicotine is natural or synthetic).
·Exemptions:
1. Chewing tobacco;
2. Legally approved pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and their medicinal raw materials;
3. Food (naturally containing trace amounts of nicotine or meeting EU pesticide residue limits).
·Research Exceptions: Case-by-case exemptions for research purposes may be issued by the Minister of Health, subject to separate conditions and procedures.
·Effective Date: Le Monde and Radio France Internationale reported that the ban will officially take effect in March 2026.
2Firsts, September 8, 2025 - According to the French government's official website on September 5, the French government published Decree No. 2025-898 in the Official Gazette, which will take effect six months from its publication. This ban applies nationwide to the production, sale, possession, purchase, and use of "nicotine-containing products for oral use," with the exception of medicines and medical devices.
The decree specifies that the ban covers all stages of the process: production, manufacturing, transportation, import/export, possession, provision/transfer, purchase, and actual use.
Formats subject to the ban include:
Nicotine pouches (including porous pouches), pastes, beads, liquids, chewing gum, lozenges, films/strips, and more (regardless of whether the nicotine is natural or synthetic).
Exemptions include:
·Chewing tobacco;
·Legally approved medicines, medical devices, and their medicinal raw materials;
·Food (naturally containing nicotine or meeting EU pesticide residue limits).
The decree provides for scientific research exceptions, which can be granted for specific research projects upon the signature of the Minister of Health and in compliance with specified conditions.
The background document states that nicotine is classified as a "toxic substance" under the French Public Health Code, allowing for a ban on "any related operation" by decree of the Council of State. The decree has also been submitted to the European Union for technical regulatory information (notification number 2025/0110/FR) as required.
The decree indicates that, in addition to mainland France, the relevant provisions also apply to the Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Le Monde and Radio France Internationale reported that the ban will officially take effect in March 2026.
