The price of cigarettes in France has increased steadily for years as part of the government’s effort to reduce smoking. Tobacco companies and importers first suggest retail prices by considering production costs, transport, commercial margins, and taxes. However, these prices must be approved by French authorities before becoming official nationwide prices. Because of this system, tobacconists cannot freely change prices, offer discounts, or create promotions on cigarette sales.
A cigarette pack’s final price is divided into three main parts: the manufacturer’s share, the tobacconist’s margin, and government taxes. Manufacturers receive only a small portion of the retail cost, roughly 15%, while tobacconists generally earn between 8% and 10% for selling tobacco products. The largest share comes from taxes, which represent around 75% to 80% of the total price paid by smokers.
The article explains that France mainly relies on excise duties and VAT to increase tobacco prices over time. Excise duty is based mostly on the quantity of tobacco produced or imported rather than its market value. The calculation combines a percentage of the retail price with a fixed amount per tobacco quantity. If this amount falls below the legal minimum tax established by the state, “the minimum amount is applied.” Tobacco products are also subject to value-added tax, which is already included in the retail price consumers see in stores.
By January 2026, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in France reached around 12.50 to 13 euros, with some premium brands costing more than 13.50 euros. Cheaper brands remain slightly below that level, but prices continue rising almost every year.
Over the last two decades, cigarette prices in France have climbed dramatically, increasing from about three euros in the early 2000s to nearly thirteen euros today. The article describes this as part of France’s “long-term strategy to discourage smoking,” using higher costs to reduce tobacco consumption nationwide.
