Switzerland Tightens Vape Checks as Only 3 of 32 Tested Products Meet New Tobacco Rules
Switzerland strengthens vape compliance checks under its revised Tobacco Products Act, finding only 3 of 32 tested products compliant.Summary
Switzerland has intensified enforcement of its revised Tobacco Products Act, which took effect on October 1, 2024, introducing unified regulations for tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. A Basel laboratory tested 32 disposable vapes and e-liquids, with only three meeting regulatory standards. Twenty-one products were banned due to violations such as excessive liquid capacity, non-compliant nicotine levels, and problematic ingredients. In a related case, the Federal Supreme Court ruled against a Geneva retailer that attempted to circumvent capacity limits by using an additional tank. Cantons like Zurich have established dedicated enforcement units, with Zurich allocating approximately CHF800,000 annually for inspections, laboratory testing, and youth purchase checks. In Solothurn, 24 out of 80 youth test purchases resulted in violations, reflecting a 30% non-compliance rate. The new legislation also restricts sales to minors, extends indoor smoking bans to vapes and heated tobacco, and limits advertising in public spaces. These measures signal a stricter regulatory environment for the vape and nicotine product market in Switzerland.
(Source：2Firsts)
