Holidaymakers planning a trip to France are being cautioned about strict new regulations that may 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 from April 1, 2026, which is likely to catch many visitors off guard.
According to a spokesperson from tobacco product retailer Northerner, the recent law in France prohibits the sale, import, possession, and use of nicotine pouches and similar oral nicotine products. This means travelers could inadvertently violate the law by carrying such products and may face fines ranging from €100 to €500 or more, along with potential legal consequences. To avoid any issues, travelers are advised not to carry nicotine pouches when visiting France.
The ban covers all products containing nicotine, whether synthetic or natural, intended for oral use, such as non-medicinal pouches, gums, lozenges, beads, pastes, strips, and liquids. However, smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco are exempt from the ban.
In addition to the pouch ban, France is also tightening its smoking regulations, prohibiting smoking in various outdoor public spaces like beaches, parks, areas near schools, outdoor sports venues, and bus stops. Violators may face fines ranging from €90 to €135, with significantly higher penalties for non-payment.
Markus Lindblad, the Head of External Affairs at Northerner, highlighted that while France has a high smoking rate of about 23%, nicotine pouches offer a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. The complete ban on nicotine pouches eliminates this option for French smokers, raising concerns about public health outcomes. Lindblad also pointed out the inconsistency of allowing chewing tobacco, a known carcinogen, while banning nicotine pouches, calling for more balanced regulation in the interest of public health.