Holidaymakers traveling to France are being cautioned about strict new regulations that could lead to immediate fines of up to €500. Despite being a favored destination for UK tourists, France has implemented a nationwide prohibition on oral nicotine products starting April 1, 2026, which might catch many visitors off guard.
A representative from Northerner, a tobacco product retailer, highlighted that under the new legislation, all nicotine pouches and similar oral nicotine items are now entirely prohibited in France. The ban covers the sale, import, possession, and usage of oral nicotine products, meaning travelers could unknowingly violate the law by carrying these pouches.
Penalties for non-compliance may include fines ranging from €100 to €500 or more, and potential legal repercussions. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to bring any nicotine pouches when visiting France.
The ban encompasses all products containing nicotine, whether synthetic or natural, intended for oral consumption. This includes non-medicinal pouches, gums, lozenges, beads, pastes, strips, and liquids. However, smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco are exempt from this restriction.
In addition to the pouch ban, France is also tightening its smoking regulations. Smoking is now prohibited in numerous outdoor public spaces such as beaches, parks, areas near schools, outdoor sports venues, and bus stops. Violators may face fines ranging from €90 to €135, with the possibility of higher penalties for non-payment.
Markus Lindblad, the Head of External Affairs at Northerner, expressed concern over France’s high smoking rate of approximately 23%, compared to 12% in the UK. He emphasized that nicotine pouches offer a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, and the complete ban in France eliminates this option for smokers.
Lindblad criticized the ban for not including chewing tobacco, which is known to be carcinogenic. He suggested that if the French government aims to enhance public health, it would be more logical to regulate alcohol, which poses serious health risks, rather than banning nicotine pouches. Lindblad advocated for robust regulation of nicotine products instead of an outright prohibition.