On Friday, April 21, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Army Garrison Rheinland‑Pfalz released a formal travel advisory urging all U.S. service members to leave nicotine pouches such as Zyn and Velo behind when traveling through France. The directive follows France’s nationwide ban on non‑medical nicotine pouches that took effect on April 1.
French law now criminalizes the possession, importation and use of these products, with penalties ranging from €15,000 to €375,000 and possible prison sentences. The ban does not apply to traditional chewing tobacco. The advisory notes that nicotine pouches are popular among troops as a discreet alternative to vaping or cigarettes—a 2022‑23 Fort Bragg survey found military usage well above civilian rates.
U.S. forces regularly transit France for joint training, NATO exercises and D‑Day commemorations, meaning many personnel could inadvertently violate the law. The Army’s message stresses that anyone traveling to or operating in France must ensure they are not carrying or using nicotine pouches to avoid severe legal consequences.
