The French Parliament has reached an agreement on Thursday to ban "puffs," the single-use electronic cigarettes popular among young people, which should lead to an effective ban by "the end of September," according to Green Party deputy Francesca Pasquini.
Pasquini's cross-party bill, unanimously adopted by the Senate in early February after passing the National Assembly in December, easily achieved a joint text in a joint committee (CMP) of parliamentarians from both chambers on Thursday. Following the agreement, the government immediately notified the European Commission, which has six months to validate the legislation.
Health Minister Vows to Continue Fight Against Smoking
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin reacted on Twitter, stating, "I am immediately notifying the European Commission to confirm France's decision. The fight against smoking must continue."
Pasquini expressed optimism about the Commission's approval, following its green light earlier in the week for Belgium's decision to ban puffs.
"Health, Social, and Environmental Scourge"
In the Senate, Vautrin denounced puffs as a "health, social, and environmental scourge," criticizing the marketing of these products designed to attract young people with their colors, fruity flavors, and low prices. She pointed out that some devices entering the market contain the equivalent of 18 packs of cigarettes.
A recent survey revealed that 15% of adolescents aged 13 to 16 have already used these "puffs," with nearly half of them initiating nicotine use through this means.
Hefty Fines for Violators
The agreed-upon text provides for banning the manufacture, sale, or free distribution of these products, with violators facing a fine of 100,000 euros.
As France takes decisive action to address the growing popularity of single-use e-cigarettes among its youth, the Parliament's agreement and the government's swift notification of the European Commission signal a strong commitment to protecting public health and combating the dangers of nicotine addiction.
