Imagine a heavenly territory, with turquoise lagoons and strong traditions, deciding to turn its back on a consumer habit that has become worldwide: vaping. That’s the bold choice made by the Assembly of French Polynesia, which has passed an amendment banning the import and use of electronic cigarettes and all their derivatives from July 1, 2026.
A strong political will
During the debates, several voices insisted that the initial text, focused on the fight against smoking, should go further. It was Lana Tetuanui, representing Tapura Huiraatira, who proposed taking the plunge and banning vaping outright. This idea immediately struck a chord with Tavini Huiraatira, the pro-independence group currently in the majority, who saw it as a strong signal to send to young people.
Behind this decision lies a simple but powerful message: “People must come before money”. Words that resonate in a global context where the tobacco industry and its electronic alternatives generate billions, but leave behind generations of addicts.
A fragile law in the face of legal recourse?
Although the measure was passed with a very large majority (51 votes in favor, 5 against and one abstention), it could still face serious obstacles. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, himself pointed out that the ban could face legal challenges.
At issue: the principle of freedom of commerce enshrined in the French Constitution, but also the notion of proportionality. To put it plainly, economic players could consider such a total ban to be a disproportionate interference with their business, and take their case to the administrative courts.
However, even if this amendment were to be rejected, the overall tobacco control law would remain solid. The ban on vaping has been incorporated as a new article, which means that the rest of the text will not be called into question.
The real problem behind vaping in Polynesia
Why this tougher stance, when other parts of the world are talking more in terms of regulation than outright prohibition? The answer lies in the misuse of e-cigarettes on the territory.
According to local authorities, many vaping products are being tampered with in order to consume much more dangerous substances: cannabis oil, but also methamphetamine – known as “ice” in Polynesia. This hard drug is said to affect some 30,000 regular users in the archipelago.
So the ban is not just a public health issue linked to tobacco or nicotine, but a response to a much broader societal scourge.
A landmark decision
In voting for this text, French Polynesia has once again distinguished itself by its radical approach. Some see it as an attack on economic freedoms, others as a courageous act to protect the younger generations from a destructive spiral.
Will July 1, 2026 really mark the end of vaping in French Polynesia? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: this vote sets a precedent, and could inspire other territories to consider firmer measures.
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