In the second-biggest economy in the EU, the lower chamber of the French parliament has started the process of outlawing disposable vape pens. The prohibition on disposable vape pens might go into place by September 2024 if it is approved.
By a vote of 104-0, the French National Assembly approved the Disposable Vape Act late on Monday night. The bill will now be sent to the French Senate, where a vote is anticipated, and after that, it will be signed into law by President Emmanuel Macron. Before going into effect, the law would also require approval from the European Commission of the EU, as reported by the BBC.
A new initiative by the French government to curb tobacco usage includes a ban on disposables. Although the proposal has been discussed in public all year, it was formally unveiled in late November. Additionally, the government wants to make vaping items packaged plainly.
Similar throwaway restrictions are being considered by Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, among other nations.
Disposable vaporizers, or "puffs," are popular in France and, like much of the world, have a substantial market share for vaping products. Though they also pose a risk to the environment, the vividly colored, user-friendly devices are frequently held responsible for increasing teen vaping.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are squandered when thrown away after a single use, are used in disposable plastic vape pens. When disposed of in landfills or natural environments, plastic shells, electronic components, and batteries represent a health risk. While they can be recycled, most disposable vapes are thrown in the trash (with some effort).
Similar throwaway restrictions are being considered by Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, among other nations. Today marks the conclusion of the UK's public consultation on vaping restrictions. On several vaping-related topics, including the potential outlawing of disposable vapes, the British government has requested public input.
