Very fashionable among young people, disposable electronic cigarettes called “Puff” worry the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.
- Nicotine, which most “puff” devices contain, is a highly addictive substance.
- Young people are particularly vulnerable, due to the effects of nicotine on brain development.
The Ministry of Solidarity and Health is concerned about the illegal sales and promotion of “Puff” to young French people and calls players in the sector to order.
Colored packaging
Puff-type devices most often contain nicotine and are disposable vaping products, which differentiates them from commonly marketed rechargeable electronic cigarettes.
The public authorities have been alerted to the distribution to adolescents of “Puff” products with colorful packaging and fruity or sweet aromas, which have been made particularly attractive. Their consumption by a minor audience is also growing under the effect of promotion and sales practices via social networks.
“It is therefore appropriate to recall the legal and regulatory framework in force”, writes the Ministry of Solidarity and Health in a press release. First, as vaping products, “Puff” type devices are required to fulfill the following regulatory obligations:
· notification of the products before their placing on the market to the competent authorities;
nicotine level below 20mg/ml;
· labelling;
· ban on advertising and direct or indirect promotion.
Sale prohibited to minors
“Although certain national and foreign manufacturers have fulfilled the obligation to notify their products intended for the French market, other products, not notified to the French authorities, are also accessible to the public, in particular via the internet, and for some with rates of nicotine which may exceed the rate authorized for this type of product”, deplore the health authorities.
“In addition, the sale to minors of these products, like any vaping product, is prohibited”, recalls in conclusion the ministry of Olivier Véran.
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