France has been automatically forced to postpone the implementation of its controversial nicotine pouch ban until August 25, following formal objections from seven European Union countries.
Originally set to begin in May, the proposed law would not only have banned the production and sale of nicotine pouches, but also their possession, use, and even transport. Under the draft decree, individuals caught with a pouch could face up to one year in prison or a €15,000 fine, while retailers and manufacturers risked even steeper penalties—five years in prison and fines of up to €375,000.
This aggressive approach would classify nicotine pouches under the same legal umbrella as hazardous chemicals. But the proposal triggered immediate resistance across the EU. Member states including Romania, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Italy, and Sweden formally challenged the plan under the EU’s Technical Regulations Information System. Their objections have now forced a pause of up to six months, requiring France to either defend or revise its proposal before the August deadline.
Protecting youth, helping adults
At the heart of the opposition is a key question for modern public health: should less harmful nicotine alternatives be banned if they offer adult smokers a viable path to quitting cigarettes? Countries like Sweden offer a compelling answer. Thanks in part to the widespread availability of smokeless options like snus and nicotine pouches, Sweden is the first country in the world very close to achieving a “smoke-free” status, defined as having fewer than five percent of adults smoking. Harm reduction advocates argue that rather than restricting such products, governments should focus on preventing access by teens while ensuring adult smokers can use them to quit.
French officials, however, argue that nicotine pouches—especially when flavoured—pose a risk to young people. This concern has grown louder in recent months as alarming headlines have surfaced. A recent U.S. study reported a 763% rise in young children accidentally ingesting nicotine pouches over a three-year period. Though many cases resulted in mild or no symptoms, 39 were classified as serious. Small children are especially vulnerable to nicotine toxicity, and some required intensive care treatment. The popular brand Zyn, owned by Swedish Match (a subsidiary of Philip Morris International), has gained enormous popularity online, with hashtags like #Zyn racking up hundreds of millions of views on social media platforms.
These reports have fueled public anxiety, especially as Zyn and similar products come in flavours like mint and citrus—palatable to both adults and, unfortunately, children. While intended for adult smokers, critics argue that without strong safeguards, these products could pose real risks to minors.
Still, advocates caution against reactionary bans. They stress that nicotine pouches are intended to reduce harm, not add to it. The Nordic Nicotine Pouch Alliance notes that these products contain no tobacco, no combustion, and no known carcinogens—placing their risk profile close to traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like gums and patches. The difference lies in format and accessibility, not safety.
The conversation extends beyond policy circles. A recent study by Philip Morris International found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. healthcare professionals mistakenly believe nicotine itself causes cancer. This misunderstanding may be limiting the support smokers receive from doctors, as many providers hesitate to recommend lower-risk alternatives like pouches or heated tobacco products. Experts argue that correcting these misconceptions is vital if harm reduction is to play a meaningful role in tobacco control.
France’s delay could lead to smarter nicotine policy
The French debate reflects broader uncertainty across Europe about how best to reduce smoking while protecting youth. On one hand, there is a real need to shield young people from early nicotine exposure—just as we would never allow teens free access to nicotine patches or gums. On the other, denying adults access to proven tools that can help them quit smoking could unintentionally preserve cigarette use.
With the delay in place, France now has time to reconsider its approach. Policymakers face a complex task: crafting regulations that prevent youth access while empowering adult smokers to transition away from cigarettes. Harm reduction isn’t about promoting nicotine use—it’s about reducing death and disease where smoking remains entrenched. As evidence grows in support of smoke-free alternatives, it’s clear that a more balanced, evidence-based strategy is needed.
For now, France’s pause offers an opportunity to shift the conversation. Instead of banning pouches outright, the focus could be on regulation, education, and age-restricted access—tools that protect youth while supporting adults looking to quit.