2FIRSTS | France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
France removed a vaping regulation clause from its 2026 finance bill after invoking Article 49.3, disappointing industry groups.Summary
France’s government abandoned a provision in the 2026 finance bill aimed at regulating vaping products after utilizing Article 49.3 on January 20th to secure government responsibility for the budget’s “revenue” section. Article 23, which proposed revisions to tobacco taxation and the introduction of a new e-liquid tax, was removed following negotiations. The provision also sought to enhance health safety, traceability, and reduce youth access to vaping products. Both tobacconists’ and e-liquid industry groups expressed disappointment, citing concerns about public health and the need for a secure distribution framework. France Vapotage argued the removed parliamentary version would have supported a tailored regulatory path for the vaping sector.
(Source：2Firsts)
