The French government has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes starting next year, citing growing concerns about youth nicotine addiction and environmental waste. The decision follows months of debate in Parliament, where health experts warned about the rising number of teenagers using vapes.
Under the new regulation, retailers will have six months to clear their inventories. Manufacturers could face heavy fines if they violate the ban. France’s Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau said the move aims to “protect the younger generation from a silent epidemic.”
European health agencies report that disposable vapes have become a global issue, with similar restrictions being considered in the UK, Australia, and parts of the U.S. Indian authorities are also reviewing import policies for vaping products amid rising cases of teen nicotine use.
Public health groups have praised France’s bold decision, calling it a model for other nations tackling the vaping crisis.
