The National Assembly adopts a proposed resolution against parallel markets

The French National Assembly has adopted a resolution proposed by Frédéric Valletoux, a Horizons party member of parliament, chairman of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee and former Minister of Health, aimed at strengthening the fight against the illicit tobacco market.[1]. The text specifically criticizes certain practices of manufacturers, particularly their strategies of over-supplying neighboring countries. This initiative is presented as a potential starting point for opening a European-wide debate on this issue, as the revision of the European Tobacco Products Directive approaches.

A solution to the health and financial problems of parallel markets

The resolution recommends that the supply of tobacco products in European states be adjusted to their actual level of consumption, that an industry-independent traceability system for tobacco products be put in place, that the quantities that can circulate between Member States be strictly reduced, and that the essential principle "« A cigarette must be smoked in the country where it was purchased. »" in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Protocol on Illicit Tobacco Trade, ratified by France in 2015 and the European Union in 2016, and which entered into force in 2018.

According to industry data, data from the firm KPMG indicates that Luxembourg is supplied with 21.56 cigarettes per day per inhabitant, or 36 times more than in the United Kingdom.

For the proponents of the text, these imbalances contribute to fueling parallel distribution channels and weakening national anti-smoking policies.

From a budgetary standpoint, a study supported by the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI) and MILDECA It is estimated that the share of tobacco consumed in France that escapes national taxation is between 11 and 20 of total consumption, or 17.7 on average. This level, which has remained stable for several years, represents between 2.8 and 5.8 billion euros in annual tax losses.

According to Frédéric Valletoux, "« With this vote, France sends a strong signal to the European Union for public health, for tax fairness, for our local businesses. »[2].

Publication of an independent annual report on parallel markets

Members of Parliament also adopted an amendment, tabled by MP Nicolas Thierry of the Green and Socialist group, with the support of Frédéric Valletoux and the government, providing for the publication of an independent annual report on the extent of the parallel tobacco market. This measure aims to improve the transparency of available data and diversify the sources of information used in public debate, particularly in light of the influence of the KPMG report, funded by the tobacco company Philip Morris, whose methodological weaknesses have been particularly highlighted in independent scientific publications.

The National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) welcomed the adoption of these two measures, considering them to be progress in terms of public health, public finances and protection of national security against illegal networks.

Earlier this week, the CNCT also called on France to pay its contributions to the International Protocol to Combat Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, the arrears of which currently amount to $2.5 million, equivalent to a year's budget for implementing the provisions of this text.[3]. Only by respecting this commitment can France effectively support the fight against parallel markets, combat tax evasion by manufacturers, improve tax revenue collection, and also avoid losing credibility when speaking on this subject, and in particular during international negotiation meetings.

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[1]National Committee against Smoking, Illegal trade: the National Assembly adopts a draft resolution, Published on November 27, 2025, accessed the same day

[2]The World of Tobacco, National Assembly: adoption of the Valletoux proposal for quotas in tobacco deliveries by country, Published on November 27, 2025, accessed the same day

[3]National Committee against Smoking, In the fight against illicit trade, France is not respecting its commitments., Published on November 24, 2025, accessed on November 27, 2025

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