France Scraps Vape Tax: Article 23 Dropped & Chaos Risk
The French government has officially abandoned Article 23 of the 2026 Budget Bill, scrapping plans for a new tax on e-liquids and stricter vaping regulations. This decision, made in preparation for triggering Article 49.3 to force the budget’s passage, has sparked outrage among the Confederation of Tobacconists. Industry leaders warn that dropping the regulatory framework grants a “bonus to chaos” by allowing unregulated sales to proliferate across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Tax Abandoned: The government removed Article 23, which proposed a new fiscal tax on vaping liquids and stricter traceability rules.
- Tobacconist Fury: The Confederation of Tobacconists condemns the move, calling it a “bonus for chaos” (“prime à la bordellisation”).
- Unregulated Sales: Without this law, vapes remain available in vending machines and night shops rather than controlled professional networks.
- Industry Regret: France Vapotage also criticized the decision, having hoped for a regulatory framework distinguishing vaping from tobacco.
Political Maneuver vs. Public Health
The legislative maneuver reveals a clash between budgetary expediency and health policy. Article 23 originally aimed to reduce youth exposure to vaping by increasing taxes and tightening distribution controls. However, after the Senate and National Assembly “emptied the bill of its substance,” the government chose to discard it entirely to streamline the use of Article 49.3.
Serdar Kaya, president of the Confederation of Tobacconists, argues that by refusing to regulate, the State is knowingly allowing “uncontrolled practices” to develop. The organization had lobbied for years to secure a monopoly on sensitive products like CBD and vapes to ensure safety and prevent sales to minors.
The “Bonus to Chaos”
The abandonment leaves a regulatory void. Tobacconists argue that the current situation—where vapes are sold in fairgrounds, vending machines, and late-night convenience stores—undermines public health.
| Stakeholder | Desired Outcome | Result of Abandonment |
|---|---|---|
| Government | New Tax & Traceability | Status Quo (No Tax) |
| Tobacconists | Exclusive Distribution | “Chaos” (Vending Machines/Night Shops) |
| France Vapotage | Distinction from Tobacco | Loss of Safety Framework |
Will vape prices rise in France in 2026?
Unlikely for now. With the abandonment of the specific e-liquid tax in Article 23, the fiscal pressure on vaping products remains unchanged, though the lack of regulation may lead to market instability.
