Buying an e-cigarette in Switzerland: a beginner’s guide

If you are an adult smoker buying an e-cigarette for the first time, you will face many questions: which device suits me? What nicotine strength makes sense? And what does the law say when buying in Switzerland? This beginner’s guide answers the most important questions clearly.

The legal situation in Switzerland

The Tobacco Products Act (TabPG) has applied since 1 October 2024. For e-cigarettes this means:

• Age limit 18: e-cigarettes with and without nicotine, as well as liquids, may only be sold to people aged 18 and over throughout Switzerland. This also applies online, where age must be verified.
• Tax: since 1 October 2024, a tax of CHF 1.00 per ml applies to disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml to nicotine-containing liquids and refills, each plus VAT. More in the article Vape tax in Switzerland.
• Disposable e-cigarettes: not banned nationally, but the cantons of Valais and Geneva have cantonal bans. Since a Federal Supreme Court ruling of 14 April 2026, disposables may contain no more than 2 ml of liquid. Details in Disposable vape bans: cantons at a glance.
• Buying online: buying e-cigarettes online is permitted in Switzerland, provided the retailer verifies age.

Device types at a glance

When you want to buy an e-cigarette, you will come across three main categories:

1. Disposable vapes

They need neither charging nor filling: unpack and use. Once the liquid is used up, the device is disposed of as electronic waste. Disposables are simple but more expensive in the long run and create more waste. You will find a selection in the disposable vapes collection. How the technology works is explained in the article How disposable vapes work.

2. Pod systems (MTL, mouth to lung)

Pod systems are small, light and rechargeable. The draw is similar to a cigarette: you first draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale it (MTL). Depending on the model, you use pre-filled replaceable pods or fill the pod with liquid yourself. Devices such as the ELFA Pro or Aroma King SMART belong to this category. You will find an overview in the pod systems collection.

3. Sub-ohm mods (DL, direct to lung)

Larger, powerful devices with long battery life. The vapour is drawn directly into the lungs. These devices produce big clouds but are usually too complicated for beginners.

Which nicotine strength is right?

Nicotine strength is one of the most important factors. If it is too low, cravings remain; if it is too high, dizziness or nausea can occur. Nicotine salt liquids typically come in 10 or 20 mg/ml, classic liquids usually at lower levels.

Guidance for adult smokers

• More than one pack a day: 20 mg/ml nicotine salt liquid. Nicotine salt feels less harsh on the throat than classic liquid of the same strength.
• 10 to 20 cigarettes a day: 10 to 20 mg/ml nicotine salt liquid.
• Fewer than 10 cigarettes a day: 3 to 6 mg/ml classic liquid or 10 mg/ml nicotine salt.

If in doubt, start lower and see how you react. More on strength and effects in the article Nicotine content: effects and risks. Important: if you don’t smoke, don’t start vaping.

Step by step to your first device

1. Choose a device: for getting started, a pod system with simple operation and draw activation works well, for example from the Elf Bar ELFA Pro collection.
2. Choose liquid or pods: if your device uses refillable pods, choose a nicotine salt liquid in the right strength, for example from the Elfbar Elfliq or liquid collection.
3. Fill and wait: fill the pod with liquid and wait about 5 to 10 minutes before the first puff. This lets the cotton in the coil soak fully so the coil doesn’t burn.
4. Draw correctly: draw evenly, gently and a little more slowly than on a cigarette. Short breaks between puffs protect the coil.
5. Dispose of correctly: empty pods, disposables and batteries belong at a collection point for electronic waste.

Further basics can be found in the vape beginner’s guide for Switzerland.

Ordering from Snustrend

Snustrend offers customers in Switzerland a range covering vaping and snus from a single source:

• Vapes and pod systems: brands such as Elf Bar and Aroma King.
• Snus and nicotine pouches: brands such as Siberia, Oden’s, VELO and EDEL in the Snus collection.
• Shipping: CHF 8.90 per order; from an order value of CHF 60, Economy shipping costs CHF 4.90.
• Age verification: we sell exclusively to adults aged 18 and over.

Note: nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either.