The exceptional mobilization of the industry must continue and intensify in order to reach the end of a legislative process that is still long and full of pitfalls.
On the night of November 19-20, the French National Assembly adopted the deletion of article 23 of the Finance Bill for 2026. This article provided for the introduction of a tax on vaping products, a ban on online sales and the placing of specialized stores under customs supervision, thus jeopardizing an independent sector that is a pillar of the fight against tobacco. FIVAPE hails this courageous vote, which runs counter to the government's agenda, and calls for continued mobilization ahead of the text's passage through the Senate.
Mobilization bears fruit
Last night, shortly before midnight, MPs gathered in Public Session to examine Article 23 of the 2026 Finance Bill. Following an adversarial debate, they finally voted in favor of deleting this article, by adopting amendment n°1277 carried by MP Aurélien Le Coq and the La France Insoumise group.
During the discussions, many voices from all political backgrounds were raised in defense of the independent vape ecosystem, and warned of the health contradictions that such a tax and such a framework would represent. The deputies recognized the need to preserve an effective smoking cessation tool, scientifically recognized as a risk-reduction tool, and the subject of a consensus published by the experts of the Société Francophone de Tabacologie.1The product is favored by millions of French people, and is mainly developed by French small and medium-sized businesses with no ties to the tobacco industry.
A clear line: protecting independent vape
FIVAPE welcomes this vote as a strong signal. Despite the preconceived ideas and persistent allegations that emerged during the debates, the French government listened to health professionals, harm reduction experts and those working in the field.
But this victory is only the first step. Article 23 could resurface in the version of the text to be submitted to the Senate, in amendments tabled by senators or even, at a later date, in the Joint Committee.
Our objective remains unchanged: to defend a coherent, pragmatic public policy that does not sacrifice a life-saving device. Vape is not the problem: it's a solution, a credible, proven and responsible response to the scourge of tobacco.
December 9: Vapors gather in Paris
With the Joint Parliamentary Commission approaching, FIVAPE is calling for mobilization to be stepped up. A major rally is being organized in Paris on December 9, to bring together industry professionals, users, caregivers and harm reduction advocates.
Our ambition is to bring together at least 1,000 participants, for a demonstration of unity and determination. It will be an opportunity to convey a simple but vital message: vape must remain accessible, diversified, effective and independent of the tobacco industry.
This national meeting will mark a new stage in the mobilization, with the watchwords of defending public health, local employment and scientific truth.
A mobilized industry, a collective effort to be commended
FIVAPE would like to thank all industry professionals for their exceptional commitment over the last few weeks. The success of this first battle would not have been possible without the involvement of everyone: manufacturers, specialist stores, wholesalers, users, vape media...
The success of the crowdfunding and petition campaigns, the regional mobilizations on November 4 and 5, the Ne Tuez Pas la Vape! posters in the windows of specialist stores, the steady flow of information in shops and on e-commerce sites, and the growing media coverage: all these are signs of a united and combative industry.
We now need to take mobilization to the next level. We invite everyone involved to continue relaying messages, to show their commitment and to actively prepare for the December 9 rally in Paris.
- Electronic cigarette for smoking cessation: a fast-track Delphi consensus of French-speaking experts - https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-025-01725-x ︎