The world of e-cigarettes is constantly evolving. Between new regulations, political debates, industry initiatives and European discussions, it is not always easy to keep up with all the latest news.
Every month, we take stock of the main news affecting vapers, former smokers and vaping professionals.
Here is what you needed to know from July 2026.
The RIPOST law: vaping amendments ultimately rejected
This was undoubtedly the most closely followed topic of the month.
Several amendments concerning vaping products had been tabled as part of the RIPOST bill. They notably planned to modify the distribution rules for vaping products, strengthen age verification, or introduce new customs measures.
Ultimately, these amendments were declared inadmissible as they had no direct connection to the legislation being examined.
A few days later, the joint committee also removed the provision concerning vending machines for vaping products.
As things currently stand, the RIPOST law should ultimately contain no specific measures regarding e-cigarettes.
Even if this sequence appears to be ending favourably for the sector, it shows that the subject remains under particularly close scrutiny from public authorities. The debates could quickly return during the examination of the future 2027 Finance Bill.
FIVAPE continues its work with public authorities
In the face of numerous legislative discussions, FIVAPE (Fédération Interprofessionnelle de la Vape) remained very active throughout the month of July.
Its objective is to defend an independent sector specialising in supporting adult smokers who wish to quit tobacco.
The federation notably supports several principles:
- restricting the sale of vaping products to specialist shops and tobacconists;
- excluding general distribution channels (supermarkets, bazaars, non-specialist retailers…);
- maintaining oversight by the Ministry of Health;
- ensuring identical rules for all professionals.
This position aims in particular to distinguish the vaping sector from that of tobacco while maintaining a high level of regulation.
Online age verification: the sector takes the initiative
Another important topic this July: age verification for online purchases.
Even though no new legal obligation has yet come into force, FIVAPE has published a series of recommendations for specialist shops.
These best practices propose several technical solutions to better verify the age of buyers while limiting constraints for adult consumers.
The aim is simple: to strengthen the protection of minors without waiting for a possible change in regulations.
An approach that shows the industry is also seeking to anticipate future requirements from public authorities.
FIVAPE joins the Conseil du Commerce de France
Another important announcement: FIVAPE is now a member of the Conseil du Commerce de France (CdCF).
This organisation represents around thirty professional federations from French retail and nearly 70% of the sector's jobs.
For the vaping sector, this membership represents above all a recognition as a specialist retail trade.
It also makes it easier to defend the interests of approximately 3,500 specialist shops and 25,000 direct and indirect jobs linked to vaping in France.
Without changing the rules applicable to vapers, this integration could give the profession greater influence in future discussions with public authorities.
A new proposal to combat smoking
The debate around tobacco is also continuing to evolve.
On 9 July, six former Health Ministers called on the government to support a proposed law aimed at introducing a generational tobacco ban.
The principle is simple: people born on or after 1 January 2014 would never be able to legally purchase cigarettes once the measure comes into force.
This measure already exists in certain countries or is in the process of being adopted, notably in the United Kingdom.
In France, this is for the time being only a proposed bill. No implementation timetable has been set.
As is often the case on these subjects, opinions differ:
- anti-smoking associations see it as a way to progressively reduce the number of smokers;
- several tobacconist representatives believe, on the contrary, that such a measure could encourage cross-border purchases or a parallel market.
The debate is therefore only just beginning.
Europe: where do things stand with the future regulation of vaping?
Discussions are also continuing in Brussels.
Two major issues directly concern vaping products.
The European tax on e-liquids (TED)
The European Commission wishes to introduce a harmonisation of taxes on several nicotine-containing products, including e-liquids.
However, Member States have still not been able to reach an agreement on the level of taxation.
Result: the project is currently stalled.
Discussions are expected to resume in autumn 2026.
At this stage, no new European tax has therefore been adopted.
The forthcoming revision of the TPD directive
In parallel, the European Commission is continuing its revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
A wide-ranging public consultation is currently under way in order to gather the views of citizens, associations and professionals.
This revision could modify several rules concerning vaping products in the years to come.
However, it is important to stress that no definitive text exists today.
The first official proposals are expected by the end of 2026.
Key takeaways from July 2026
The month of July was marked by a particularly busy news cycle for vaping.
If the RIPOST bill amendments now appear to be behind us, several issues remain open, both in France and at European level.
The coming months will be particularly worth watching regarding:
- the 2027 Finance Bill;
- the revision of the European TPD directive;
- the European e-liquid taxation project;
- the future age verification rules for online sales.
One thing is certain: regulatory developments will continue to occupy an important place in e-cigarette news.
At Le Vapoteur Discount, we will continue to follow these issues in order to keep you informed in a clear and accessible way, while remaining attentive to an essential distinction: that between the independent vaping sector, dedicated to adult smokers and smoking cessation, and the tobacco industry.
