The French parliament voted on Thursday to ban single-use (disposable) e-cigarettes and vaping products, citing concerns over their role in youth tobacco addiction and environmental harm.

The bill received final approval in the Senate, making France the second EU country to implement such a ban. In December 2024, Belgium approved legislation to become the first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes.

“This is a major victory in two battles: protecting the environment from polluting lithium batteries and safeguarding our schoolchildren’s health,” said Francesca Pasquini, the bill’s author, to AFP, adding that she hoped that France’s example could inspire other countries.

The legislation was unanimously backed by the National Assembly lower house last week. “A fine piece of cross-party work!” lawmaker Michel Lauzzana said on X.

The bill bans the sale and distribution of devices in France that are “pre-filled with liquid and not refillable, whether or not they have a rechargeable battery.” Its wording aligns with recommendations from the European Commission.

The measure is part of a broader government anti-smoking campaign, with health officials warning that chronic nicotine use harms adolescent brain development and may lead to other drug use.