France's National Assembly on Wednesday voted in favour of a stricter law regarding the import of tobacco products that were purchased in neighbouring countries.

Earlier this Wednesday, French MPs voted in favour of a new law that will significantly reduce the amount of tobacco that French nationals can purchase in neighbouring countries before bringing it into France. The rule will thus also apply to tobacco purchased in Luxembourg.

French nationals will be able only to bring one carton of cigarettes (instead of four) per car into France.

France's Minister of Public Accounts Olivier Dussopt explained that the restrictive measure has public health as its objective. It is also hoped to support local tobacconists and "to combat contraband tobacco."

The chairman of the Finance Committe, Eric Woerth, added that the pandemic-induced border closures had led to increased sales for local tobacconists in the border regions, and that the measure had dealt a significant blow to the black market.

Several MPs welcomed the move, which will also increase tax revenue for the state. France reportedly recorded an increase of 250-300 million euro in additional tobacco tax revenue in April.