Nicotine pouch users travelling to France face significant legal risks from April 2026, when a new law will criminalise possession of these tobacco-free products.
The French government published a decree in September 2025 prohibiting the manufacture, importation, distribution, possession, and use of all oral products containing nicotine, except those classified as medicinal products or medical devices. The ban covers nicotine pouches, gums, pearls, and similar items designed for oral use, whether containing synthetic or natural nicotine.
Enforcement is scheduled to begin on 1st April 2026, following an 18-month preparation period after the initial pledge to address rising use among young people. Health authorities cited reports of adverse effects including vomiting, convulsions, hypotension, and consciousness disorders linked to these products.
Individuals caught possessing or using non-medicinal nicotine pouches could face up to one year in prison and fines of up to €15,000. Manufacturers or retailers face more severe penalties, including potential five-year prison sentences and fines reaching €375,000.
The measure forms part of broader anti-smoking efforts in France, including restrictions on disposable electronic cigarettes and smoking in public spaces.
In December 2025, France’s Council of State suspended parts of the decree concerning manufacture, production, and export, citing insufficient transition time for companies. A final ruling on the ban’s legality is expected by June 2026.
The suspension does not alter the existing prohibition on marketing nicotine pouches outside pharmaceutical channels, and current retail sale remains restricted. Despite the partial suspension, the prohibition on possession and use for non-medicinal products is widely reported as proceeding from April 2026, prompting warnings for travellers.
UK-based nicotine pouch users planning trips to France are advised to check regulations carefully. Major UK airlines do not generally prohibit nicotine pouches in luggage or during flights, but customs rules at the destination take precedence. Travellers should verify regulations with airlines and French authorities before departure.
Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Haypp, said travellers should check limits before flying because airlines rarely set limits, but customs authorities do. Most countries allow around 250g of tobacco, roughly 5–6 packs, duty-free. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches usually fall outside these limits, but carrying large amounts could still attract scrutiny.
Lindblad also advised confirming airline policies. Although UK airlines generally allow nicotine pouches, US airlines such as American Airlines have banned smokeless tobacco use, which includes snus. Nicotine pouches may be included in this, meaning rules vary and passengers should always check with their airline before using them mid-flight.
Lindblad further urged travellers to research local laws, noting that even if an airline permits the products, the destination country may not. Traditional tobacco-based snus is banned across the EU except in Sweden. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are largely unregulated under EU law, but individual countries are beginning to introduce their own regulations.
Lindblad added: “When travelling with nicotine pouches, there are a few simple steps to avoid issues at security or customs. Pack all cans securely and keep them tightly closed, ideally in your carry-on. Keep products together and in their original packaging to help customs officers quickly identify them. Be prepared to explain what the product is if asked. And remember local laws, in some countries, even spitting from loose snus can be illegal. Nicotine pouches are still a relatively new category and often unregulated. Because they’re similar to traditional snus, they can fall into a grey area, and decisions are often at the discretion of customs staff. The safest approach is always to check local regulations before you travel.”
Across the EU, nicotine pouches occupy a regulatory grey area with no uniform bloc-wide rules. Traditional tobacco-based snus remains banned except in Sweden, while tobacco-free alternatives face differing national approaches. France’s decision stands out for explicitly including personal possession in the prohibition.
Travellers can consult resources such as Haypp for updated country-specific guidance on nicotine pouch regulations.
The upcoming French ban underscores growing national variation in nicotine product oversight amid ongoing debates over harm reduction and youth protection.