Towards a total ban on oral nicotine sachets in France
The French government recently took a decisive step in the fight against alternative nicotine products. A decree published on September 6th formalizes the ban on what the law defines as "oral nicotine-containing products." This measure directly targets nicotine pouches, often referred to as "nicotine pouches," due to their worrying health impacts.
A decree with strict contours
This regulatory text, based on the provisions of the Public Health Code, considers nicotine to be a poisonous substance. It thus authorizes the State to strictly restrict its use. From March 1, 2026, six months after its publication, any activity related to these products will become illegal: manufacture, possession, distribution, importation, or simple consumption.
The products affected by this ban are those containing nicotine, whether of natural or synthetic origin, and intended for oral consumption by ingestion or absorption. Their form or packaging does not matter, as long as they are designed for human use.
However, some exceptions are provided. This regulation does not apply to traditional products such as chewing tobacco, medications or medical devices such as nicotine substitutes, or foods that naturally contain traces of nicotine, such as tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants. Ad hoc authorizations for research purposes may also be granted under the auspices of the Ministry of Health.
Support from public health actors
This regulatory decision was welcomed by the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT), which sees it as a necessary response to the rise of these products among young people. Introduced on the French market at the end of 2022, nicotine pouches have experienced rapid expansion, notably thanks to aggressive promotional strategies, often deemed misleading and lacking any health supervision.
The CNCT emphasizes that these discreet, flavored sachets are particularly attractive to adolescents and young adults. Their sweet or fruity flavors, combined with easy-to-disguise packaging, make them all the more accessible. Several cases of poisoning reported by poison control centers have reinforced the concerns of health authorities.
Criticisms of the cessation industry
The ban has drawn dissenting voices from the private sector. Norbert Neuwy, founder of Nicoswitch, expressed his disagreement, regretting that smokers are being deprived of a harm reduction tool. He cites the example of Sweden, where the regulated use of nicotine pouches has led to significant progress in the fight against tobacco.
For him, rather than an outright ban, strict regulation could have been a more constructive middle ground. This approach would have made it possible to channel the use of these products while protecting the most vulnerable populations.
