The European Union has allowed France to ban the sale of single-use vapes. The bill has already passed the National Assembly and will be implemented in the coming months. But the bill will not affect sales of rechargeable vapes.
The European Union has approved France to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, Leprogres reported on October 10. The law was passed by the National Assembly in December 2023, followed by the Senate, with the rest approved by the European Union. Now, the EU’s permission has been completed, indicating that France will implement the ban in the coming months.
According to a 2023 survey by the Coalition Against Tobacco, a project (ACT), 73 percent of respondents aged 13-16 had heard of disposable vapes, while 15 percent had used such products. Among users, 47 percent started being exposed to smoke tar through disposable vapes, while 23 percent switched to other smoke tar products.
Francesca Pasquini, the French Parliament passed the cross-party bill in March this year. At the time. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin condemned single-use vapes as a “public health, social and environmental hazard,” noting that the marketing of these products hopes to attract young people with bright colors, fruity scents, and low prices.
On public health grounds, the European Commission said the ban was “justified, necessary, and appropriate” to address health concerns.
However, this time the EU allows only disposable vapes, not suitable for other rechargeable vapes. The sale of the latter is still allowed.
The European Commission writes:
- “In line with the objectives of the 2014/40/EU Directive, the manufacture, sale, distribution or free provision of nicotine-containing single-use vapes in France is prohibited to ensure a high level of human health protection. The ban complies with the requirements of Article 24(3) of the Directive. The ban relates to single-use vapes or single-use vapes sold in France.”
At present, the French Parliament can officially confirm its vote, facilitating the final implementation of the law.
