The price of a pack of cigarettes in France is rising steadily. But who sets the price of tobacco? What are the taxes that explain this increase? How much does a pack of 20 cigarettes cost? What further price increases are to be expected? Focus on the evolution of the selling prices of tobacco products in France.
How is the price of tobacco set in France?
Tobacco manufacturer’s selling price
Tobacco manufacturers or importers offer a retail price for their products. This price includes the cost of production, trade margins and mandatory taxes. It is subject to approval by the French authorities, in particular the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes, which verifies its compliance.
Tobacconist’s margins
The price of a pack of cigarettes has three main components. Among these is the tobacconist’s margin, between 8 and 10% of the total cost. In addition, the manufacturer’s margin is around 15%. The rest of the total cost is mainly taxes, which make up the vast majority of the final price.
State Taxes
As for state taxes in France, they represent 75 to 80% of cigarette sales (about 40% for cigars). The tobacconist is subject to taxation that varies according to the retail price. It includes two taxes:
Excise duty on tobacco.
Value added tax (VAT).
These taxes are determined by the government as part of budget laws and are often increased to discourage tobacco use.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Sales by tobacconists, as well as discounts granted, are not subject to VAT. The VAT rate, integrated into the retail selling price, is 16.66%. In addition, each manager in mainland France benefits from a 10.19% discount on the retail sale of all types of tobacco. In Corsica, this discount is 11.323%.
What is the excise duty on tobacco?
Excise Formula
The excise duty on tobacco in France is levied directly on the quantities produced or imported and not on the basis of the value added to a product when it is sold. The amount of the excise duty is equal to the greater of the following two amounts published by the French customs:
The sum of the product of the excise duty rate expressed as a percentage of the retail selling price, added to the excise duty rate expressed in euros per 1 000 units or 1 000 grams.
The minimum collection (minimum tax).
If the sum of the excise duty rate and the tariff is less than the minimum collection, then the latter applies.
Amounts of excise duty on manufactured tobacco in force
Here is the amount of excise duty on tobacco manufactured in metropolitan France since 1 January 2025:
Single price of tobacco throughout the country
Once set, the price of tobacco is uniform throughout mainland France. Retailers cannot offer different prices based on their location or apply specific discounts or promotions on tobacco. Any infringement may result in sanctions against the tobacconist.
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What is the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in France?
A general increase on 1 January 2026
On January 1, 2026, an increase in the price of cigarettes comes into force. This varies depending on the manufacturer, but can reach up to one euro on the price of a classic pack of 20 cigarettes, with an average of around +50 cents. This increase has led to many brands crossing the symbolic threshold of 12.50 euros.
An average price of around 13 euros in 2026
Under the cumulative effect of the 2025 increases and the general increase applied at the beginning of 2026, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is now around 12.50-13 euros in France, although differences remain depending on the brand and range. This development is part of the public health strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.
Successive increases in 2025
The year 2025 was marked by several price adjustments on tobacco. A first increase took place on January 1, 2025, affecting brands such as Marlboro, Philip Morris or Royale, with increases of between 20 and 55 cents. These revaluations mainly concerned the most sold cigarettes on the French market.
In addition, in mid-August 2025, the DGDDI published the list of new tariffs applicable from 1 September 2025. This update affected a limited number of references, with the majority of brands keeping prices unchanged. It was accompanied by the introduction of new references in the approved sales networks.
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What is the average price of a carton of cigarettes in France?
In France, the price of a carton of cigarettes depends on the brand, the format of the packs and the number of units per pack. As of January 1, 2026, the average prices observed are as follows:
For a carton of cigarettes with 20 classic packs: between 250 and 300 euros, i.e. a price of 12.50 to 15 euros per pack.
For a carton of cigarettes with 20 packs of 25 units: between 300 and 350 euros, or about 15 to 17.50 euros per pack.
For a carton of cigarettes with 20 packs of 30 units: between 360 and 390 euros, or about 18 to 19.50 euros per pack.
How much does a pack of Marlboro, Camel, Lucky Strike, Philip Morris cost… in France?
On January 1, 2026, the price of a pack of twenty cigarettes in France will increase and will be around 13 euros. Here are the new indicative prices applied according to the brands:
Camel Filters (rigid pack): 13.00 euros.
Camel Filters (soft pack): 13.00 euros.
Camel Blue: 13.00 euros.
Camel Essential: 13.00 euros.
Lucky Strike (e.g. Lucky Strike Blue / X Series, 20): 12.50 euros.
Dunhill Red: 13.50 euros.
Philip Morris (ex. Filter Kings): 13.00 euros.
Marlboro Red (rigid pack): 13.50 euros.
Marlboro Red Collection: 10.95 euros.
Winston Blue: 13.00 euros.
Peter Stuyvesant (red, 20): 13.00 euros.
Rothmans (blue/red, 20): 12.50 euros.
Vogue L’Originale (White/Blue): 13.00 euros.
Winfield (red): 12.50 euros.
Chesterfield Original (Red/Blue): 13.00 euros.
Lucky Strike Red: 12.50 euros.
Lucky Strike Blue: 12.50 euros.
Philip Morris Gold: 13 euros.
Philip Morris Blue: 13 euros.
Gauloises Blondes Red: 12.60 euros
Gauloises Blondes Blue: 12.60 euros
Red News: 12.60 euros.
News Bleu: 12.60 euros.
These tobacco prices are valid for a pack of 20 cigarettes, in rigid or flexible packs. The complete list of cigarette pack prices is available on the douane.gouv.fr website.
What is the cheapest pack of cigarettes in France?
In France today, with the successive increases in tobacco prices, the cheapest pack of cigarettes on the market tends to be that of “economic” or very low-end brands (often not widely distributed in tobacco shops).
Cheapest package prices (recent indications)
According to rankings of tobacco prices in 2025, some very cheap packs sold for around 10.40 to 10.90 euros for a pack of 20 cigarettes (brands such as Luckies Red, Gladstone Rouge). These prices tend to increase with the successive revaluations of the tariffs published by the customs.
Situation to be expected for 2026
With the tax and tariff increases that have taken place until 2026, the difference between the “least expensive” packages and the classic ones has narrowed significantly. The homogeneous tariffs published by the DGDDI for 2026 show that most standard packages now cost between around 12.50 and 13.50 euros.
It is likely that the cheapest brands will continue to be those that have historically been the most affordable, but their prices will be repriced towards the typical range of “standard” cigarettes.
In summary
The historically cheapest pack of cigarettes in France is around 10.40 euros to 10.90 euros. On January 1, 2026, with the successive price increases published by customs, all approved packages will increase, including the most affordable brands.
How much does rolling tobacco cost?
On January 1, 2026, the prices of rolling tobacco will be increased in France. It concerns both cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco, with varying increases, formats and packaging, but which generally lead to an increase in the purchase cost for consumers. Here are some examples for a 30-gram joke:
American Spirit Original : 18,60 euros.
Camel : 18,50 euros.
Camel Essential : 18,50 euros.
Camel No. 1 : 14,90 euros.
Fleur du Pays : 18,50 euros.
Fleur du Pays 1937 : 17,60 euros.
Fleur du Pays No. 1 : 14,90 euros.
Old Holborn Original : 18,60 euros.
Old Holborn Yellow : 18,60 euros.
Winston Authentic : 18,60 euros.
Winston Classic : 18,20 euros.
Winston Essentiel : 18,60 euros.
Winston Intense : 18,60 euros.
Winston White : 18,60 euros.
Rasta’s : 14,90 euros.
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How will the price of tobacco increase in 2026?
The consumer price of tobacco in France continues to rise on 1 January 2026, in line with the successive increases observed in 2025. This development is part of a long-term strategy to reduce tobacco consumption, in particular through the leverage of an increasingly high retail price for tobacco products.
Tobacco prices adjusted for the rate of inflation
Since 1 January 2023, the increase in tobacco prices has been directly linked to the new tax system introduced by the public authorities. According to the provisions of the Social Security Financing Law, the government has decided to adjust the price of cigarettes according to the inflation rate of the previous year and no longer to that of year N-2.
In practice, each year, the State adjusts the taxation of tobacco products according to the annual evolution of consumer prices observed in the previous year.
Increases spread over the year 2025
The year 2025 was marked by several price adjustments. Among the increases observed were some references to so-called “economic” collections, with increases of around 20 to 45 cents per pack, contributing to a gradual increase in floor prices.
One-off and limited reductions in 2025
On a more marginal note, a few benchmarks experienced price declines during 2025, mainly during the June adjustment. These reductions, ranging from 30 to 70 cents, concerned a limited number of brands and did not call into question the general upward trend in the price of tobacco on the market as a whole.
Increases confirmed in 2026
On 1 January 2026, a new increase in tobacco prices comes into force. The policy of gradually increasing tobacco prices has thus reached a symbolic stage, with an average price of around 13 euros per pack. This strategy aims to deter the entry into smoking and encourage the reduction of consumption.
How has the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes changed since the 2000s?
A pack of around three euros in the early 2000s
In the early 2000s, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in France was around three euros. At that time, tobacco remained relatively affordable, despite the first prevention policies against smoking. However, since the early 2000s, the State has made the tax lever a central tool in the fight against smoking.
A rapid and continuous increase during the 2000s and 2010s
Price increases followed one another at a steady pace. In 2004, the price of a pack had already reached five euros, marking a break. In the following years, successive increases accompanied the strengthening of public health policies, in line with the objectives of reducing smoking and financing Social Security.
A package that reaches ten euros in 2020
Sixteen years later, around 2020, a standard pack of 20 cigarettes reached an average of ten euros, more than triple the price observed in the early 2000s. This increase illustrates an assumed strategy of regular increases, sometimes in significant increments, aimed at making tobacco less and less accessible.
A recent acceleration in increases
Since then, the momentum has been further accentuated, particularly with the indexation of excise duties to inflation. In 2026, the average price of a pack of cigarettes is now around 12.50 to 13 euros, confirming an almost continuous increase over more than twenty-five years. This development is part of a stabilised legislative framework.
Towards a 20-euro package, then 26 euros by 2040
Based on an annual increase of around 5%, France could aim for an average price of €20 per pack within ten years. According to these projections, the price could reach around 26 euros by 2040, if the current trajectory is maintained. This would place France among the European countries where tobacco is taxed the most.
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In which European countries does a pack of cigarettes cost the least?
Andorra, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy…
Whether they are member nations of the European Union or not, some border countries offer attractive pricing compared to France. This is the case in Andorra, Spain, Luxembourg and Italy, where the price of a pack of cigarettes is between four and six euros.
Belgium, Germany, Switzerland…
As for Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, these countries still have a cost of less than ten euros. Hence the evolution of the legislation in force, such as the financing law and the strengthening of the resources allocated to French customs to fight against cigarette trafficking.
Marked differences at the European level
The price differences therefore remain very large. In some Central and Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, Romania or Poland, the price of a packet can still be between three and five euros, due to lower taxation on tobacco. Conversely, France is now one of the countries where tobacco is the most expensive in Europe.
A major challenge for French public policies
These price differences explain the development of cross-border purchases and cigarette trafficking. Faced with this situation, the French public authorities have strengthened the legislative framework, in particular through financing laws, and increased the resources allocated to customs to fight against smuggling and illegal circuits.
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Why is the price of cigarette packs rising?
Rising prices to fight smoking
The gradual rise in prices is thus one of the main prevention levers mobilised by the public authorities. In France, it is estimated that more than 75,000 deaths annually are due to smoking. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable mortality, cancer mortality and mortality before the age of 65.
Smoke-free measures
In this context, in 2014 the State launched a tobacco control policy, the National Tobacco Reduction Programme (PNRT). It has enabled the implementation of actions and investments, starting with the rise in prices. Among the measures taken, we can focus on:
plain cigarette packaging, regardless of brand;
the organization of prevention and awareness campaigns;
support for professionals with a view to developing their activity…
An environmental impact of tobacco
Cigarette butts represent 35% of the waste collected in public spaces. They contain toxic chemicals that pollute soil and water. Manufacturers are subject to taxes to contribute to the collection and processing of cigarette butts.
The case of electronic cigarettes
The French authorities are paying particular attention to the regulation of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, because of their potential dual role: a tool to help people quit smoking, but also an attractive product for young people.
Bans on “puffs”, disposable electronic cigarettes
Since February 26, 2025, the sale and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes (“puffs”) have been officially banned in France. This measure aims to limit access to these devices, which are considered particularly attractive to young people because of their flavours, price and disposable nature.
Taxation and tax framework
Unlike traditional tobacco, vaping products (e-liquids and equipment) are not yet subject to a specific tax equivalent to that of combustible cigarettes. The 20% VAT already applies to vaping, but it is not assimilated to an “anti-smoking tax” strictly speaking.
A tax rejected by the Senate
In the finance bill for 2026, the government had considered an additional tax on e-liquids (in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 euros per milliliter depending on the nicotine level), but this measure was rejected by the Senate at the end of 2025, which prevents immediate application.
Restrictions under discussion
As part of the same budget bill, broader measures were proposed, such as:
the assimilation of vaping to tobacco products in tax legislation;
banning the online sale of vaping products;
the obligation for specialized shops to obtain administrative approvals similar to those of tobacconists.
However, the article that provided for these restrictions, known as “Article 23”, was removed at first reading in the National Assembly at the end of November 2025, which tempers the strictest regulation of vaping for the time being.
European framework
At the European Union level, e-cigarettes remain subject to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which sets common rules for the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products and related products, including certain aspects of vaping.
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When was the ban on smoking in public places implemented?
A ban that dates back to 2007
The ban onsmoking in public places has been in effect since 1 February 2007. It concerns all covered or closed places for collective use. For example, healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces, such as public administration or private sector companies. This also applies to public transport.
A space dedicated to smokers possible
In certain circumstances, however, the manager or manager may decide to set up a space reserved for smokers. This requires the installation of dedicated signage, in particular with the help of posters, panels or even flyers.
New bans since July 1, 2025
Since July 1, 2025, France has strengthened its anti-smoking policy by expanding the ban on smoking in outdoor public places frequented by children. The new places concerned are:
beaches;
public parks and gardens;
the surroundings of schools, colleges and high schools;
bus shelters;
sports facilities.
This measure is part of a strategy to create a “tobacco-free generation” by 2032.
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What are the penalties for non-compliance with the smoking ban?
Fine for smoker
Smokers who do not comply with the law on the prohibition of smoking in a public place risk a fixed fine of 68 euros, which can go up to 450 euros. It is also forbidden to smoke in a car in the presence of a minor. The offender risks a fine of up to 750 euros.
Fine for the vaper
The ban on vaping also applies in certain places, such as schools, public transport and closed collective work spaces. The fixed fine of 35 euros (reduced to 22 euros in the event of prompt payment).
Fine for the establishment
As for the school manager who encourages this type of behavior, he risks a fourth-class fine, i.e. 135 euros. It can rise to €750 if:
no signage indicates the prohibition of smoking or vaping;
a non-compliant reserved space is available for smokers;
The person in charge of the premises encourages non-compliance with the smoking ban.
Fine for throwing cigarette butts on the ground
Since 2020, the law provides for a 4th class fine (135 euros) for throwing cigarette butts on the ground outside a bin or collection point. In addition, from July 1, 2025, smoking will be prohibited in parks, public gardens, etc. Failure to comply with this prohibition may also result in a fine.
