Philip Morris France fined €500,000 for illegal advertising of its new products
The Paris Criminal Court fined Philip Morris France €500,000 for online publications posted in the spring of 2025 that constituted "illegal propaganda or advertising in favor of heated tobacco and vaping." The president of the group's French operations, Xavier Puech, was also fined €50,000 because he "necessarily approved the advertising strategy implemented" by the company, and was therefore "personally responsible for the offenses committed." Both will also have to pay €50,000 jointly to DNF, as well as €5,000 to cover legal costs. This decision, handed down on May 20, 2026, follows two lawsuits filed by the anti-smoking association Demain sera Non-Fumeur (DNF). Philip Morris France has indicated that it has appealed.
