FRANCE BAN FORCES BAT TO HALT NICOTINE POUCH SALES

According to Agence France-Presse, British American Tobacco France (BAT France) will cease sales of its nicotine pouch products in France starting April 1, 2026, in line with a regulation stemming from a law enacted on September 5, 2025.

BAT France confirmed it will fully comply with the new rule, while expressing regret over the process. The company argued that the ban was introduced via regulatory action rather than parliamentary debate, and said the issue warranted broader public discussion on public health, regulatory consistency, and economic freedom.

The company maintains that prohibiting nicotine pouches undermines harm reduction strategies. It added that it will continue focusing on the development of e-cigarette products as alternatives for adult smokers.

BAT France also noted that the decision comes amid ongoing discussions at the European level, including revisions to the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED) and evaluations of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).

Finally, the company stated that the move conflicts with France’s ambition to achieve a “smoke-free generation” by 2032, arguing that limiting access to smoke-free alternatives could weaken harm reduction efforts that distinguish between products based on risk profiles.