On 28 November 2023, the French Health Minister, Aurélien Rousseau, presented the new National Tobacco Control Programme 2023-2027 which announces a series of measures designed to reduce the high level of tobacco consumption in France. Tobacco control associations are accusing the government of caving in to the tobacconists’ lobby by failing to include an ambitious tax component.
The price of a packet of cigarettes will be raised to €12 in 2025 and €13 in 2026 – an increase that is far too low, as tax increases need to be substantial and repeated over time in order to be effective. This increase essentially reflects inflation. In its white paper, the French National Committee for Tobacco Control (Comité national contre le tabagisme – CNCT) points out that any effective tobacco control policy needs to incorporate a tax increase of 10% per year.
The Programme aims to fulfil France’s commitment to combat the influence of the tobacco industry on tobacco control policy in all government sectors, in accordance with Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Smoking bans will be extended to beaches, public parks, forests, and areas around certain public places (ex: schools). A display ban for tobacco product is also planned.
Measures such as plain packaging for all tobacco and vaping products will be implemented. Aurélien Rousseau wants to “limit” the attractive flavourings used in vaping devices and tobacco products. The ban on disposable vaping devices has been included and will be discussed by members of Parliament. The Government intends to draw up a roadmap for the regulation of all nicotine products (including nicotine pouches).
The Government wants to make approved nicotine replacement therapy more accessible by experimenting with the reimbursement of these drugs without the need for a prescription, or by opening remote prescribing, by healthcare professionals, from Santé publique France’s “Tabac Info Service” scheme. Emphasis will be placed on prevention aimed at vulnerable groups, which are particularly affected by smoking.
