French Polynesia: towards a ban on vaping?

Different regulations from metropolitan France

In French Polynesia, the legal framework surrounding tobacco and vaping differs greatly from that applied in metropolitan France. Since April 2023, the prices of cigarettes and rolling tobacco are no longer regulated by the state: each retailer sets their prices freely (expect 1,243 Pacific francs or €10.43 for a pack of cigarettes). The result: tobacco products remain easily accessible, which complicates the fight against addiction.

Meanwhile, the disposable puff (banned in France since early 2025) has been enjoying real success, particularly among younger people. The problem: some devices are modified to contain illegal substances such as cannabis or methamphetamine, nicknamed "ice". It is in this context that local authorities sought to take action.

The Assembly vote: a radical proposal

In late August 2025, the Assembly of French Polynesia examined a bill initially aimed solely at banning disposable puffs, as in metropolitan France. However, an elected official proposed going further by calling for the ban of all e-cigarettes and their derivatives.

This proposal was adopted by a large majority, providing for:

• a ban on imports from mid-2026,

• then a complete halt to sales from mid-2027, after a one-year transition period.

A measure far from certain

While the vote is striking, it is important to keep in mind that this decision is not yet final. Several legal obstacles stand in the way of this proposal:

• Freedom of trade is a strong constitutional principle.

• Any ban must respect the principle of proportionality: a measure as radical as a total ban on vaping could be deemed excessive.

• Many observers believe the text has a strong chance of being rejected or, at the very least, significantly revised, without necessarily blocking the ban on disposable puffs.

In short, nothing is set in stone: Polynesian vapers and travelers alike have no reason to panic.

What should vapers and travelers take away from this?

• For now, nothing changes: it is still possible to travel with your equipment and purchase vaping products in French Polynesia.

• If the law were to come into effect in the coming years, the announced timelines would leave plenty of time to adapt.

• The project is primarily aimed at curbing abuses related to disposable puffs, but does not currently call into question the classic use of e-cigarettes as a cessation tool.

Le Vapoteur Discount remains by your side

At Le Vapoteur Discount, we continue to offer delivery from France to French Polynesia, with competitive delivery rates and a wide selection of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

The vote by the Assembly of French Polynesia has generated a lot of discussion, but it is important to put things in perspective: this ban is very likely not to pass as it stands. Between legal challenges and upcoming debates, the future of vaping on the territory remains uncertain, but there is nothing today that should give vapers cause for concern.

In the meantime, Le Vapoteur Discount continues to support vapers and travelers, delivering directly to French Polynesia and reminding everyone that vaping is above all a harm reduction tool against tobacco, which deserves to be regulated but not eliminated.