France Bans Nicotine Pouches With Prison and Fine Penalties

France placed nicotine pouches under a nationwide prohibition that took effect April 1. The measure classifies nicotine as a toxic substance and sets criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of $436,600 for possession or use. The New York Post first reported the scope of the ban on Sunday. U.

countries have lodged formal concerns that the French rules conflict with single-market guarantees on the free movement of goods.

Minister Benjamin Dousa told the Financial Times that the prohibition is comparable to banning French baguettes or wine in Sweden. Five Swedish members of the European Parliament stated they may stop attending sessions in Strasbourg, citing the risk of sanctions during travel to France.

The French health ministry justified the policy as a step to reduce rising nicotine dependency. Data cited in the coverage show nicotine pouches produce substantially lower exposure to harmful chemicals than cigarettes, with biomarker reductions ranging from 42 percent to 96 percent in a 2023 randomized study.

Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in France, accounting for 68,000 premature deaths in 2023. Surveys indicate 55 percent of daily French smokers wanted to quit in 2024. Sweden reports the lowest smoking rate in Europe, having reduced prevalence from 30 percent in the 1980s to under 5 percent, a change attributed in part to widespread use of oral nicotine products.