According to Cision News on February 25th, British American Tobacco France (BAT France) stated that despite the Conseil d'Etat ruling that the ban on nicotine pouches was disproportionate, the French government still notified the European Union of its draft ban, ignoring the opinion of France's highest administrative court and basic principles of dialogue and respect for institutions.
The company emphasized that in January of last year, the French Ministry of Health clearly stated that banning nicotine pouches was not an appropriate solution. However, the French government ignored this advice and implemented a disproportionate ban without parliamentary debate or consultation with relevant stakeholders, completely contradicting its own National Smoking Control Plan for 2023-2027. What is puzzling is that just a few weeks ago, the French Minister of Health advocated for a more tolerant and non-intrusive approach to smoke-free terraces, but now is imposing a strict ban on nicotine pouches.
Sebastien Charbonneau, the Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director of British American Tobacco France (BAT France), stated that
We are deeply outraged by the lack of consultation with industry experts when implementing these regulations that are completely out of touch with the expectations of the French people.
We urge the government to demonstrate responsibility by establishing a strict yet balanced regulatory framework, rather than hastily implementing a ban, as this will not provide any concrete solutions to protecting minors.
The only way to effectively protect minors and ensure control over these products is through wise regulation, rather than just prohibitions that only serve to nurture black markets.
The company proposed that the solution lies in strong regulation, including:
It is strictly prohibited to sell nicotine pouches with the maximum nicotine content to minors, ensuring consumer safety. Sales and distribution must have a clear framework that prohibits flavors appealing to young people.
The French National Smoking Control Program is calling for a negotiated, thoughtful approach, but the French government has opted for an authoritarian, rushed method that leaves no room for parliamentary debate or consideration of alternative solutions. British American Tobacco France is urging the government to engage in sincere dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to develop responsible, effective regulations rather than imposing meaningless and counterproductive bans.
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