The French directory of specialty vape shops that are independent of the tobacco industry
Walking on eggshells…
Last Thursday, the government presented its draft budgets for 2027—the PLF and the PLFSS. Neither document contains any provisions regarding vaping. And in the days that followed, no amendments were introduced in the Finance Committee. These are the first steps on the path toward the final vote… or Article 49.3.
We are, of course, remaining very attentive and vigilant, because there is still a long way to go—the National Assembly, the Senate, the Joint Committee, public hearings… all of these are opportunities for opponents of independent vaping to pressure lawmakers to introduce amendments against vaping.
Last year’s massive mobilization against Article 23—involving professionals, consumers, and healthcare stakeholders—as well as FIVAPE’s efforts over the past several months to engage with policymakers, have certainly helped put an end to attempts to tax the number one smoking cessation aid and to hinder the work of the professionals who have been promoting it on the ground for 15 years.
Mois Sans Tabac : Let's take action.
Once again this year, even though vaping is the most popular way to quit smoking, the “ Mois Sans Tabac ” doesn’t mention it… or only very briefly. Likely due to a lack of resources, it appears that the materials provided to smokers have not been updated following the publication of the ANSES report on vaping earlier this year. In the booklet for pregnant women, for example, vaping is still “not recommended,” and it is “preferable” not to smoke…
But let’s not hold it against the teams at Santé publique France, who are merely following directives from authorities beholden to anti-vaping doctrines promoted by anti-tobacco lobbies—which, let’s remind ourselves once again, are neither health agencies nor scholarly societies, and certainly not practitioners in the field.
We are, in fact, the ones on the ground. The vaping community is at the forefront of the fight against smoking; millions of people have already quit smoking thanks to our support, which is based on listening, compassion, guidance, and high-quality, safe, and regulated products.
FIVAPE therefore calls on all vaping stakeholders independent of the tobacco industry to obtain the posters and visuals from Mois Sans Tabac to give maximum visibility to the key message: “Quit smoking!” And it urges smokers who wish to try vaping to seek out the right resources by consulting specialized professionals.
Let's not let up in our efforts.
While we can take comfort in a “lull” in the attacks against our industry in France, the timelines for the European TED and TPD directives continue to move forward. FIVAPE has already taken steps to engage with and involve French policymakers on these major issues. It’s worth noting that in the many countries that have already implemented restrictive measures (taxes, flavorings, etc.), independent segments of the tobacco industry have been hit hard—or even decimated—to the benefit of Big Tobacco.
We must remain fully committed, and to do so, FIVAPE needs your support. If you’re a vaping professional, by joining, you’ll strengthen our ranks and our resources. It’s vital!
Mois Sans Tabac to everyone,
Jean MOIROUD
President of FIVAPE
