Switzerland Moves to Ban Disposable Vapes

Switzerland is set to introduce a nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes after the upper chamber of Parliament voted in favor of the measure on Wednesday.

The move reflects growing concern over youth vaping and environmental harm linked to single-use devices.

The government is now required to draft legislation to formally enact the ban. Notably, the decision will not affect rechargeable vaping devices, which will remain legal under the forthcoming regulations.

Disposable vapes, often brightly coloured and flavoured like candy floss or gummy bears, have gained immense popularity among young people in Switzerland. Lawmakers pointed out that these products are not only highly addictive but also harmful to the environment due to their hazardous chemical and plastic components.

During the parliamentary session, one member highlighted alarming reports from school teachers who described 12-year-old students struggling to wait until break time to take a puff from their e-cigarettes.

Disposable e-cigarettes first entered the Swiss market in 2020, and imports have been increasing by nearly 30% annually.

While such products remain legally available in Germany, the European Union is preparing a region-wide ban expected to take effect by the end of 2026. The United Kingdom has already implemented a ban on disposable vapes, positioning itself at the forefront of regulatory action in Europe.