French Polynesia to Ban E-Cigarette Imports from 2026

French Polynesia Vape Ban, E-cigarette Prohibition

French Polynesia’s Assembly has taken a decisive step towards a complete ban on electronic cigarettes, surpassing the government’s initial regulatory plans. Following an amendment introduced by Senator Lana Tetuanui during the review of an anti-tobacco bill, a new article was added to prohibit the importation and sale of all vaping devices, including “puffs” and e-cigarettes.

The legislation sets a transitional period for the ban. Imports of these products will be prohibited starting July 1, 2026, while sales will be banned from July 1, 2027. This timeline, adjusted after debate, gives importers and retailers a year to clear their existing stock. Senator Tetuanui argued for the ban citing the misuse of vaping devices for illicit drugs by youth, stating, “We are discovering today that our young people are using this means for all kinds of illicit products.”

The move caught the government somewhat off guard, as such a sweeping prohibition hadn’t emerged during prior consultations. While President Moetai Brotherson supported the principle, he noted the initial text aimed to regulate and discourage use via taxation. However, he acknowledged the assembly’s sovereignty in deciding on an immediate ban. The amended anti-tobacco law was adopted with 51 votes in favor. Opposition came from the A Here ia Porinetia party, who criticized the measure as being driven by “emotion” rather than impact studies, arguing that if harm was the sole criteria, tobacco and alcohol should also be banned.

Matthew Ma
Follow
Latest posts by Matthew Ma (see all)

Related posts:

French Polynesia Vape BanVaping Remains Legal in French Polynesia as Ban Overturned The Ultimate Cannabis GlossaryThe Ultimate Cannabis Glossary: 150+ Terms for Modern Consumers Zimbabwe New Vaping TaxZimbabwe Introduces New Vaping Tax: E-Cigarette Prices Set to Rise Cambodia Vape BanCambodia Tourism Ministry Warns Businesses of Vape Ban UK Smoking Ban, Tobacco and Vapes BillUK’s Generational Smoking Ban Hits Roadblock Over Northern Ireland and EU Law France bans disposable e-cigarettes puffsFrench Parliament Moves Towards Banning Disposable Vapes
Australian Cigarette Prices Jump on Sept 1 Excise HikeAustralia Cigarette Price Hike, Tobacco Excise DutyArkansas Vape Law Act 590 E-cigarette BanArkansas to Restrict Most Vape Sales Under New Law (Act 590)