This new tax targets 3.5 million French people: 150 euros more per year on the bill

It could come into effect as early as January 1, 2025.

This is an imponderable of the transition to the new year: January 1 generally marks the increase of several prices and taxes. 2025 should not escape the rule, with several increases already on the agenda. But it's not over yet. Ideas are emerging almost daily and some French people, even middle-class people, could be digging a little deeper than expected.

An additional tax could be introduced and come into force in just over two months. Although it was not initially planned by Michel Barnier, it could be added to the increases already scheduled and hit the wallets of 3.5 million French people.

For the past thirty years, the fight against tobacco has been one of the priority issues. Over time, the law has been tightened and taxes have been significantly increased in order to drive up prices. The stated objective: to reduce the number of smokers in France. While the policy implemented has helped reduce the number of smokers, many have turned away from the traditional cigarette to switch to its little sister, the electronic cigarette.

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Cheaper and allowing you to better manage the dose of nicotine you want, vaping quickly became a success and is in vogue. Enough to interest the State, which now sees these devices as a financial windfall to bring a little more money into its coffers. Surprisingly enough, vaping liquids, even when they contain nicotine, are not subject to the special tax on tobacco, as is the case for cigarettes and cigars. A bias that should end.

The creation of a specific tax on these products will be submitted to the vote of deputies and senators. The idea is to apply a tax of 15 cents per milliliter of liquid, or 1.50 euros per product, the quantity being generally 10ml. This supplement would be mechanically passed on on the purchase price.

According to data from industry professionals, it is necessary to count on 5 to 10 bottles per month. For the 3.5 million consumers, this would translate into an annual increase in the bill of 90 to 180 euros. If liquids exist without nicotine, all of them, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not, would be subject to this new tax.

The proposal comes from the deputy centrist Charles de Courson and received initial approval from the Finance Committee. MPs, senators and the government still need to approve this measure for it to become effective from 1 January 2025. But with revenue expected to be between 150 and 200 million euros per year, there is no doubt that Michel Barnier and parliamentarians should study this option closely.