France Bans Nicotine Pouches and Gum, Sets Prison and Fine Penalties

France’s health ministry has banned the use, acquisition, possession and sale of oral nicotine products including pouches and gum lozenges. The prohibition took effect April 1. Violators can be sentenced to as much as five years in prison and fined $436,600.

The ministry classified nicotine as a toxic substance, citing risks of addiction and acute nicotinic syndromes that can include vomiting, dehydration and seizures.

The rule covers products such as Zyn pouches, which contain flavored nicotine powder placed between the lip and gum. It does not extend to cigarettes, vape products, chewing tobacco or government-approved nicotine gums and inhalers used to quit smoking.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety noted in November 2023 that advertising for these products is widespread on social media and targets young consumers. Nicotine pouches ranked as the second-most-used tobacco product among American minors in 2024, behind only e-cigarettes, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have restricted or banned sales of nicotine pouches. France is the first European country to criminalize their use or possession. Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa told the Financial Times that France’s action is comparable to Sweden banning French baguettes or wine.