Consumers in Paris Rally at Place de la République

“Protect Pouches – France Must Embrace Harm Reduction”

Paris, September 8–9, 2025 – At Place de la République, French consumers joined the European campaign Protect Pouches to call on policymakers to safeguard access to nicotine pouches – a life-saving alternative for smokers.

Parisians shared personal stories of how nicotine pouches helped them quit or stay away from cigarettes. These testimonies will be presented to decision-makers in Brussels as part of a growing movement.

While France stopped short of a full ban earlier this year, the government is discussing imposing strict regulations that place nicotine pouches under threat. Consumers fear that without their voices being heard, tomorrow’s rules could mean restricted access or a de-facto prohibition.

“Sweden has already shown Europe the way forward — innovation, not prohibition,” said Juan Taborcia, Global Spokesperson of Considerate Pouchers.

“Thanks to pouches, Sweden has reduced smoking rates to record lows, cutting cancer risks and saving lives. France can achieve the same if it chooses evidence-based policies.”

The French action highlights three key demands:

• Balanced, not punitive, regulation
  
• Protection of flavors that help smokers switch
  
• Affordable access to pouches for those seeking to quit

Parisian consumers stressed that pouches are alternative smoke-free, odor-free, and a considerate choice that fits modern lifestyles.

The Paris rally is part of a broader European roadshow with stops in Stockholm, Berlin, Warsaw, Prague, and Brussels. Each event is bringing forward consumer voices to ensure that EU leaders understand the real-life impact of nicotine pouches.