France crackdown reveals illegal disposable e‑cigarette sales to minors

An investigation in France found that disposable electronic cigarettes, known as “puffs,” continue to be sold to minors despite a ban that took effect on 26 February 2025. Sellers operate on social‑media platforms such as Snapchat, where adolescents can contact vendors by sending a message and receiving a location for a quick transaction. The research documented purchases offered at prices ranging from €9 to €30 per unit, with flavors like Hawaii, Black Red Raspberry and Frizzy Cherry Cola.

The probe also uncovered that some tobacco shops discreetly supply these devices to under‑18 customers. While shop owners claim to follow the law and deny selling to minors, several young people reported that adult merchants either sell directly or act as intermediaries, sometimes delivering products to the youths’ homes. The covert network makes enforcement of the ban difficult and raises public‑health concerns over youth access to nicotine‑containing products.