France has banned several nicotine products, including Zyn pouches, one of the most popular products in the United States alongside the well-known vapes. While other countries like Austria or Germany already had a series of restrictions on the commercialization of these products, the French Ministry of Health will be the first to penalize their use and possession.
This product, mainly known by young Americans under the brand Zyn, and which became popular in Europe in Sweden, are small nicotine pouches, usually with different flavors, that can replace tobacco. To consume these pouches, they are placed between the lip and the gum, where it easily reaches the bloodstream without having to produce smoke or chew tobacco.
According to the National Survey on Youth Tobacco Use conducted in the United States, pouches were the second most used tobacco product by teenagers in 2024
The French ban, which came into effect last April, punishes the use, purchase, possession, and sale of these nicotine products. The penalties are very severe: up to five years in prison and a staggering fine that can reach 370,000 euros.
These products lead young people to health risks. As nicotine is a highly addictive substance, it can alter the brain and create dependency on them. Physically, experts claim that prolonged contact with these products can cause gum pain, ulcers, and acute pain.
In Spain, the situation is different. The Spanish Ministry of Health promoted in the Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Prevention and Control 2024-2027 the idea of integrating these products into health regulations. For now, they are in a legal vacuum, the same as the famous vapes.