The French parliament has approved legislation to ban single-use electronic cigarettes, commonly known as disposable vapes or "puffs". The bill, which received its final vote of approval in the Senate upper house on Thursday, February 13, 2025, makes France the second European Union country after Belgium to implement such a ban.
Francesca Pasquini, the lawmaker who authored the bill, celebrated the parliamentary victory, emphasizing the dual benefits of the legislation. "It is a great victory in a two-pronged battle that we were fighting: an environmental battle against the polluting lithium batteries in these 'puffs', and a health battle for our schoolchildren," Pasquini told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Part of Broader Anti-Smoking Efforts
The ban on disposable e-cigarettes is part of a larger government initiative to combat smoking in France. Health authorities in both France and Belgium have expressed concern about the harmful effects of chronic nicotine consumption on the developing brains of adolescents, warning that it could potentially encourage the use of other drugs.
The European Union has set an ambitious goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2040, aiming to reduce the smoking population in the 27-country bloc from around 25 percent currently to less than five percent. France's ban on disposable e-cigarettes represents a significant step towards this objective.
Industry Implications and Next Steps
The legislation banning single-use e-cigarettes is expected to have significant implications for the vaping industry in France and potentially beyond. Manufacturers and retailers of these products will need to adapt their business strategies and product offerings to comply with the new regulations.
With the bill now approved by both houses of parliament, the focus shifts to its implementation and enforcement. Lawmaker Michel Lauzzana, addressing President Emmanuel Macron on X (formerly Twitter), stated, "We are now awaiting the promulgation of this law and its application throughout the country."
As France moves forward with this landmark legislation, it sets a precedent for other countries grappling with the challenges posed by the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, particularly among youth. The ban serves as a powerful tool in the fight against nicotine addiction and the associated health risks, while also addressing the environmental concerns related to the disposal of these devices.
