France has officially banned disposable vapes, commonly known as “puffs”, which have gained popularity among young people. The law, unanimously passed by France’s Parliament on February 13, aims to curb youth nicotine use and reduce waste, as reported by the daily newspaper Le Parisien.
Details of the Ban
The new measure prohibits the sale, distribution, and free provision of pre-filled, non-refillable vaping devices. However, it does not apply to refillable cartridges, meaning rechargeable and refillable vaping products remain available for sale.
Legislative Background and Purpose
The ban was proposed by former Green Party Deputy Francesca Pasquini and follows two years of legislative work, including consultations with the European Commission. Lawmakers have criticized puffs for targeting young consumers with sweet flavors, colorful packaging, and low prices.
Republican party rapporteur Khalife Khalife stated, “This market shamelessly targets children.”
Public Health Reactions
The National Committee Against Smoking praised the law, viewing it as a significant step toward reducing youth nicotine consumption. However, they also warned that manufacturers might attempt to exploit loopholes, such as continuing to sell disposable flavored e-cigarettes with limited recharges.
France Becomes the Second EU Country to Ban Single-Use E-Cigarettes
With this decision, France becomes the second EU country, after Ireland, to implement a complete ban on disposable vapes. This move could potentially influence other EU nations to adopt similar restrictions, strengthening regulations on the vaping market.
