France
Last reviewed: 2026-06
Travelling to France with snus or nicotine pouches? Both are banned in France. Cigarettes are legal for adults aged 18+. Personal import of snus is prohibited. This page covers the legal status of snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco in France as of 2026-06, with official sources where available.
Snus
BannedLegal basis: EU TPD 2014/40/EU Art. 17; Décret n° 2025-898 du 5 septembre 2025 (oral nicotine products)
Snus sale is banned under the EU TPD. France's Decree 2025-898 (5 Sept 2025), enforced from 1 April 2026, further bans acquisition, possession and use of oral nicotine products; tobacco-based chewing tobacco is exempted but oral nicotine products are broadly prohibited.
Nicotine Pouches
BannedLegal basis: Décret n° 2025-898 du 5 septembre 2025 relatif aux produits oraux contenant de la nicotine
France has banned all non-medicinal oral nicotine products including nicotine pouches under Decree 2025-898 (5 Sept 2025), with enforcement from 1 April 2026. Manufacture, import, distribution, acquisition, possession and use are prohibited (some manufacture/export provisions were temporarily suspended by the Council of State in Dec 2025). Medicinal nicotine products are exempt.
Cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Code de la santé publique; EU TPD 2014/40/EU
Cigarettes are legal for adults 18+, regulated under the Code de la santé publique implementing the EU TPD. Sold via the licensed tabac network.
Vape / E-cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Code de la santé publique; EU TPD 2014/40/EU Art. 20; law banning disposable vapes (puffs) 2025
Nicotine e-cigarettes are legal for adults 18+ (20 mg/ml cap). France banned disposable single-use vapes ("puffs") under a 2025 law. Refillable/reusable vapes remain legal.
Heated Tobacco (IQOS)
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Code de la santé publique; EU TPD 2014/40/EU
Heated tobacco products are legal to market in France to adults 18+ under the EU TPD framework, subject to the EU ban on characterising flavours in heated tobacco.
Personal Import
From 1 April 2026 acquisition, possession and use of oral nicotine products prohibited; medicinal products exempt.
Possession and use prohibited from 1 April 2026; penalties for individuals reported.
Sources
- GOV
- EUEUR-Lex — EU TPD 2014/40/EU, Art. 17Accessed 2026-06
- EU
- AGGTobacco Control Laws — FranceAccessed 2026-06
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco change frequently. Always verify the current legal status with official government sources before travelling. NicotineAtlas assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.