BAT France regrets discussions on a resolution presented today before the National Assembly, but which will have no normative effect
Paris – 26 November 2025 – This afternoon, the National Assembly voted on the draft resolution presented by Frédéric Valletoux on the implementation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Protocol to fight illicit trade in tobacco products. A highly symbolic political move... but one with no real impact.
This resolution has no normative effect.
Sébastien Charbonneau, Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs at BAT France, explains: "This resolution does not change any public policy, does not create any new obligations and does not strengthen existing tools against the illicit trade in tobacco. The WHO Protocol is already in force, already applied and already recognised by French and European institutions. "
Why mobilise parliamentarians on a purely symbolic resolution when massive fraud is escaping the legislative radar?
The illicit tobacco market is one of the most significant forms of tax fraud in France. According to a study on tobacco evading national taxation, published in 2025, 17.7% of tobacco consumed in 2023 — more than 8,000 tons — evaded national taxation, resulting in an estimated loss of revenue of €4.3 billion.
Including measures to strengthen resources or sanctions to fight illicit tobacco trafficking in the draft bill to fight social and tax fraud would not be insignificant, but rather an act of consistency: this is where a substantial part of public revenue comes from.
Between a declarative resolution and an operational law, the order of priorities raises questions.
While the government is waiting for concrete responses to social, tax and customs fraud, the parliamentary agenda has devoted several hours to a text that has no effect.
The tools that are truly useful in fighting this fraud are still awaited, even though the effectiveness of the WHO Protocol relies on customs capacities, international cooperation and operational actions... and not on an additional resolution.
At a time when the fight against trafficking – in tobacco and other products – requires concrete actions, today's debate appears to be a political gesture with no real impact.
Romain BAYLE
+33 620 497 554
romain_bayle@bat.com
About BAT
BAT is a leading global multi-category consumer goods business. Underpinned by world-leading science and R&D, our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World where, ultimately, cigarettes have become a thing of the past. BAT’s purpose is backed by Omni™, an evidence-based manifesto for change which captures its commitment and progress.
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