France plans to impose new taxes on e-liquids, with the vape industry association warning of unemployment risk

Key Points：

• The French government has proposed in its budget plan to impose a tax of 30 to 50 euro cents on every 10 milliliters of bottled e-liquid products. 
• The e-cigarette industry association warned that the tax could threaten 20,000 related jobs.
•  Consumers are worried about increased spending, while industry workers fear smuggling and unemployment risks. 
• E-cigarette merchants also cautioned that the tax could drive up the risk of online smuggling and underage purchases.

2Firsts, October 15, 2025 - According to France Info, the French government has proposed in its budget proposal to impose a tax of 30 to 50 euro cents on every 10 milliliters of bottled e-liquid products.

According to the French e-cigarette industry association (Fivape), it is estimated that the new policy will impact 3,500 e-cigarette stores nationwide and 20,000 employees in the industry.

The organization stated that France's plans to levy taxes are just a prelude to an overall policy adjustment within the European Union. The European Commission is planning to quadruple this tax amount for member countries by the year 2028.

French e-cigarette users believe that this measure increases their personal burden and weakens the appeal of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. Olivia, a user of e-cigarettes, says she replenishes e-liquid every month, and the government's plan will now cost her nearly 7 euros more each month.

E-cigarette retailers, however, warn that increased taxes could lead to a rise in online smuggling and underage purchases.

A shop owner stated that social media platforms have become the main channel for young people to purchase disposable e-cigarettes, with a lack of quality regulation.

We are trying to encourage people to quit smoking, we refuse to sell to minors, but they can easily purchase unregulated and low-quality products on Snapchat.

Image source: France Info