Ban on « Puffs »: DGCCRF removes nearly 10,000 units from sale during its first checks

Published October 2026 · 4 min read

The ban on the sale and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes, commonly known as « puffs, » enters a new phase with the publication of the first results of a vast inspection campaign. The General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) announces that it has removed nearly 10,000 non-compliant units from the market during operations carried out across the national territory. This measure, motivated by public health and environmental protection imperatives, aims to definitively halt the commercialization of these single-use devices.

High Compliance Among Professionals, Derivations in Parallel Networks

Inspections carried out by DGCCRF officers show a generally satisfactory application of the regulations among authorized retailers. The tobacconist network as well as specialized vape shops show a very high compliance rate (86%), having removed the affected products from their shelves as soon as the law came into force.

In contrast, the seizures and official reports drawn up mainly concern other distribution channels, such as certain non-specialized retail stores, informal resellers, or online sales platforms.

Health and Environmental Objectives of the Measure

Enacted to prevent young people from initiating vaping and to reduce pollution linked to unrecycled lithium batteries, the law now prohibits the manufacture, import, possession for sale, and distribution (whether free or paid) of puffs. The Ministry of Health and the DGCCRF confirmed that inspections will continue on a regular basis to monitor supply chains, the compliance of remaining stocks, and import flows at borders.

Key customs note: As long as stocks of puffs continue to cross borders through indirect routes, fraud enforcement will be condemned to multiply piece-meal seizures at the final links of the chain. The true effectiveness of the ban will depend on the ability of state services to block flows upstream.

What Operators and Supply Chains Should Remember

These initial interventions by the DGCCRF establish a clear observation: the law is respected by traditional sector professionals, but its application still runs into opportunistic resale networks. To secure regulatory compliance, vigilance is required across several levels.

1. Master Product Line Compliance

Ensure that distributed references are not subject to any recent bans related to public health or ecodesign.

2. Secure Supply Chains

Rigorously audit suppliers and import channels to prevent the introduction of non-compliant goods or parallel market items.

3. Maintain Active Regulatory Monitoring

Track the evolution of sectoral bans and customs inspection campaigns to anticipate the risks of administrative or criminal penalties.

Read also: Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage, a global lever

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are « puffs » banned?

The ban was enacted to prevent youth initiation to vaping and to reduce environmental pollution linked to unrecycled lithium batteries contained in these single-use devices.

Which networks best comply with the new regulation?

Tobacconists and specialized shops display a very high compliance rate of 86%, having removed products from their shelves as soon as the law applied. Infractions are concentrated mostly in non-specialized retail and online sales.

How will inspections evolve?

The Ministry of Health and the DGCCRF confirmed that inspection operations will continue regularly to monitor remaining stocks, supply chains, and border import flows.