34.6% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 18.4 million current smokers in France
Smoking in France
The overall smoking prevalence in France has gone up since 2006. 34.6% of the adult population in France are current smokers, up from 33% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 18.4 million smokers in the country. 36% of men smoke and for women the figure is 33.2%.
The most recent data show there were 73,545 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 18,800 women and 54,700 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 15.4% (women: 6.4%; and men: 18.5%).
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in France and there are 3 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 5.59%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places.
Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be marketed and it is available to buy in pharmacies. The NRT market in France is worth €125 million.
For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Deaths
73,545 people in France die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
Market size of NRT.
Estimated NRT market size is 125.0 million €.
Heated Tobacco Products
in France
In France, Article 19 of the EU Tobacco Products Directive, covering novel tobacco products, covers heated tobacco products. Regulations cover reporting, notifications and health warning labels. In addition, France taxes heated tobacco products under the classification “Autres tabacs à fumer” (“Other smoking tobacco products”).
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in France
France abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). E-cigarettes may be brought to market either as medicines, or as consumer products. No products have yet been licensed as a medicinal product. As consumer products, e-cigarettes are regulated by the decree of 19 May 2016 on vapor products containing nicotine. French interpretation of the TPD is that the limit on tank size only applies to pre-loaded tanks as in pods and cigalikes. As consumer products, e-cigarettes cannot be sold in pharmacies. Cross-border sales of e-cigarettes are legal. Advertising is not allowed including on billboards, TV, radio or shopfronts: it is allowed only inside shops. Since 2017, vaping has been prohibited in educational institutions, on public transport and in open plan offices, although vaping is legal in bars and restaurants. People who flout the bans can be fined between €35 and €150. E-cigarettes are not included in the General Tax Code and there is no excise tax on e-liquids.
Snus
in France
Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in France.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in France
Estimated NRT market size is 125.0 million €. In France you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. Advertising NRT is allowed. You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.