Vape shop owners and e-cigarette professionals gathered in Aix-en-Provence, France, on Wednesday to protest against new regulations proposed in Article 23 of the 2026 Finance Bill. Demonstrators argued that the measures, which they claim equate vaping products with tobacco, threaten their industry and undermine their role in smoking cessation.
The protesters voiced strong opposition to several key proposals. A primary concern is the requirement for a special "agrément" or authorization to sell vape products, which would subject them to stricter conditions similar to those imposed on official tobacconists ("buralistes"). They also oppose a new tax based on the nicotine content of their products. "We are being equated with tobacco sellers, when, on the contrary, we are actors in smoking cessation," one retailer stated. "You don't tax a smoking cessation product!"
Alexandra Weber, who manages three vape shops, highlighted that the new rules would also impose burdensome material requirements, such as installing safes and rolling shutters, and increase administrative paperwork. Another major concern is the proposed ban on the online sale of e-liquids and vaping equipment, a move that online retailer Franck of cigaretteElec.fr said would threaten his business, which is 98% e-commerce, and make it harder for vapers in rural areas to access cessation products.
The professionals argue these regulations will lead to the closure of many independent vape shops, push consumers back to tobacconists where they bought cigarettes for years, and ultimately benefit the traditional tobacco industry. They have written to elected officials and launched an online petition, which had gathered over 180,000 signatures as of Wednesday, urging the government to reconsider.
