BAD NEWS FOR SM0KERS
France, cigarette prices are strictly regulated by the government. Tobacco manufacturers propose a retail price, but it must be approved by the customs administration before it becomes official. Once validated, the same price must be applied across the entire country, meaning tobacconists cannot set their own prices or offer discounts or promotions.
The price of a pack of cigarettes is made up of three main parts: the manufacturer’s share, the tobacconist’s margin, and taxes imposed by the state. Taxes represent the largest portion of the price, accounting for roughly 75% to 80%. These include excise duties and value-added tax (VAT).
Over the past two decades, cigarette prices in France have increased significantly as part of public health policies aimed at reducing smoking. Today, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is around 12 to 13 euros.
