It is a legislative process that has taken more than two years and the Minister of Health wants it to conclude “as quickly as possible.” Catherine Vautrin asked this Friday, January 3 on RTL for a quick registration in the National Assembly of the text that consists of banning “puffs” in France, the name of these disposable electronic cigarettes popular among young people and which present certain health risks.
This measure is the subject of a transpartisan bill starting in November 2022. A year later, the National Assembly adopts the text, as does the Senate in February 2024. An agreement is then reached between deputies and senators in a mixed commission on March 13.
Catherine Vautrin, who was then Minister of Health, contacted the European Commission “to confirm France’s decision.” What it did on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. From now on, the ban must be definitively validated by the French Parliament.
“Let’s put it on the agenda of the National Assembly as soon as possible,” Catherine Vautrin urged this Friday, specifying that “she will discuss it with the president of the National Assembly,” Yaël Braun-Pivet.
18% of young people have already used “puffs”
The CMP text presents a single article. With the aim of modifying the public health code, it prohibits “the manufacture, possession for the purpose of sale, distribution or free offer, offer for sale, sale, distribution or “free offer” of “beanbags.” According to this future law, the Sale of single-use vaping devices would be punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 euros.
Highly appreciated among young people, despite the ban on their sale to minors, these devices that replace tobacco consumption appeared on the French market in 2021. According to a survey by the Alliance Against Tobacco, dated November 24, 2024, “It is, by far, the best-known nicotine product” by young people, that is, 81% of adolescents aged 13 to 16 (+8 points in a year), and the most consumed, 18%. have already used it (including 11% “once or twice”, 4% regularly).
From a health point of view, “puffs” have been denounced as an “especially deceptive trap for children and adolescents,” according to the National Academy of MedicineSome cigarettes may contain nicotine, thus creating a strong dependence and encouraging smoking. Non-rechargeable, made with microplastics, a non-recyclable lithium battery and chemicals, they also have consequences for the environment.
Source: BFM TV
