Price per pack of cigarettes

The cost of cigarettes in France has been rising consistently for many years. This increase is largely due to government measures designed to limit tobacco consumption and protect public health.

The retail price of tobacco products is first suggested by manufacturers or importers. When proposing a price, they include several factors such as production costs, distribution expenses, business margins, and required taxes.

However, the proposed price cannot be applied immediately. It must first be reviewed and approved by the French authorities, especially the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes, which verifies that the price follows national regulations.

After receiving official approval, the price becomes fixed and must be respected across the entire country. Tobacco retailers are therefore not allowed to choose their own prices or provide discounts and promotional offers.

The price of a pack of cigarettes is made up of three main parts. These include the manufacturer’s portion, the tobacconist’s commission, and taxes imposed by the government.

Manufacturers generally receive about 15% of the retail price, while tobacconists earn roughly 8% to 10% for selling tobacco products. The largest share of the price, however, comes from taxes collected by the state.

In France, taxation represents about 75% to 80% of the final cost of cigarettes. By January 2026, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes had reached approximately 12.50 to 13 euros, reflecting a major increase from around three euros in the early 2000s as part of France’s long-term policy to reduce smoking.