France's decision to prohibit nicotine bags in 2026, as stated by the head of the Confederation of Buralists, is characterized as a blunder and a shameful act.

In a move that has sparked debate among health advocates and tobacco industry representatives, the French government has announced its intention to ban nicotine pouches starting in March 2026.

The decision, officially announced in 2023, comes amid concerns about the potential risks associated with these products, particularly among adolescents. Reports of intoxications among adolescents using nicotine pouches have contributed to the ban.

However, the ban has not been met with universal approval. Philippe Coy, the president of the Confederation of Tobacconists, has expressed frustration about the government's decision. Coy believes the ban will have a negative impact on adult smokers, depriving them of an alternative to cigarettes and potentially driving them back to traditional tobacco use.

Coy argues that there is no long-term data on these products, and he cites "a few cases over a five-year period" in defense of nicotine pouches. He believes the ban is an arbitrary decision and a clear mistake by the authorities.

The Confederation of Tobacconists has also expressed concern about the government's decision, arguing that it will limit alternatives for adult smokers who are seeking to break away from traditional tobacco use. The introduction of nicotine pouches on the French market, according to Coy, was an opportunity for adult smokers to do just that.

The ban on nicotine pouches is a controversial decision, with some arguing it will help protect young people from the risks associated with these products, while others believe it will unfairly restrict the choices of adult smokers.

The government published a decree in the Official Journal to ban nicotine pouches, and the ban is now set to take effect in March 2026. The debate over the ban is likely to continue in the coming months, as stakeholders on both sides of the issue voice their concerns and opinions.