According to Agence France-Presse, based on the law of September 5, 2025 and the regulations that came into effect on April 1, 2026, British American Tobacco France Company (BAT France) confirmed that it would cease selling its nicotine pouch products in France from that date.
BAT France confirms cessation of nicotine pouch sales in France
BAT France stated that the company has been made aware of this decision and will fully comply with it.
The company also expressed regret, stating that the ban was implemented through regulatory means and without parliamentary debate. This issue should have undergone a more in-depth public discussion centered around matters such as public health, regulatory consistency, and economic freedom.
The company stated that the ban weakens the harm reduction approach and will continue to develop e-cigarette products.
BAT France stated that when this decision was made, relevant discussions at the European level were still ongoing, including the revision of the Tobacco Consumption Tax Directive (TED) and the assessment of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
The company also stated that this decision is inconsistent with France’s goal of moving towards a “smoke-free generation” by 2032.
BAT France stated that restricting access to non-burning products for adult smokers would undermine a harm reduction approach, and this approach should differentiate different products based on their characteristics and risk profiles.