Commission gives green light to French disposable e-cigarettes ban

"It is a measure designed to address the significant health risks posed by the consumption of disposable electronic cigarettes containing nicotine, a toxic substance that is a highly addictive substance," the decision stated.  

The EU executive also pointed out that the bill would address the environmental risk posed by disposable electronic cigarettes, as they generate non-recyclable plastic and electronic waste, such as lithium in their batteries. 

The Commission also gave the green light to a similar Belgium law in March, both Germany and Ireland are working on legislation to ban this type of disposable e-cigarette.  

In December 2023, French lawmakers voted for a bill banning disposable electronic cigarettes, it was then adopted in February by the Senate.  

To comply with European legislation, particularly the Tobacco Products Directive (Directive 2014/40/EU), France needed to receive the green light from the Commission to implement its new provisions. 

Former French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin asked the EU to confirm her country's decision, saying, "The fight against smoking must continue." Brussels had six months to make the decision. 

Disposable electronic cigarettes are colourful and have many flavours - such as passion fruit, candy floss, or mint - making them attractive to younger people. The government is concerned that vaping leads to smoking cigarettes.

In France, 15% of teenagers have already used a disposable e-cigarette, and 47% of them began their nicotine initiation through this device, according to an ACT-Alliance, contre le tabac (Alliance Against Tobacco), survey published last November. 

"The ban would eliminate access to these products, thereby reducing the risk of nicotine addiction and dependence, particularly among young people," stated the decision.  

The EU, however, rejected a ban on electronic cigarettes containing nicotine that can be refilled with liquid and have a non-rechargeable battery.

French president Emmanuel Macron must now adopt the law.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]