A tobacconist in Haute-Garonne has assigned a seller of electronic cigarettes. He accuses him of unfair competition and accuses him of being outside the law.
It is a real war of nerves which takes place between two neighboring traders of Plaisance-du-Touch (Haute-Garonne). A tobacconist in the city has subpoenaed a seller of electronic cigarettes on October 8. He accuses him of unfair competition. A first in France.
The tobacconist is subject to the laws concerning tobacco products. He cannot therefore promote his products outside the tobacco shop. The owners of the e-cigarette store claim they have a right to it. In any case, the law does not prohibit them. But, in the eyes of the tobacconist, the e-cigarette is a tobacco product. They contain nicotine and must therefore fall under the state monopoly. As such, he calls for the prohibition of any promotion and wants to stop the marketing of products outside sworn offices. Any action to the contrary would be, according to him, a violation of French law.
The case will be settled in court on October 17. An interesting coincidence, the complaint was lodged the day the European Parliament was debating the status of e-cigarettes. MEPs voted to keep it as a staple product. In France, the legislation is still rather vague. Electronic cigarettes cannot be sold to minors but can be used in public places. The promotion of this product is not prohibited, but should not claim to help stop smoking. Above 20mg / ml of nicotine, a Marketing Authorization (MA) is necessary because it becomes a drug. A serious headache for the judge who will have to examine the case.
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