Overview
- The government’s 2026 budget proposes prohibiting distance sales of e‑cigarettes and initially included a levy of €0.30 to €0.50 per 10 ml bottle of vaping liquid.
- The National Assembly’s finance committee removed the proposed tax, though the full chamber will examine the budget in its original form starting Friday and can adopt amendments.
- Industry groups warn of heavy losses, citing that online sales account for roughly a quarter of the market, as Fivape’s petition surpassed 120,000 signatures.
- Le Petit Vapoteur reported €154 million in 2024 revenue with 95% in France and says an online ban could wipe out 70% of sales and up to 600 jobs, while Fivape estimates 3,000 online retail jobs are at risk.
- Bercy and the Health Ministry describe the measures as public‑health steps to limit youth access and improve traceability, as anti‑tobacco advocates back stricter online controls and industry points to data showing four million fewer daily smokers over a decade.