Elfbar vapes: how they work, models and Swiss law

Elfbar is one of the best-known vape brands in Switzerland. At the same time, the legal situation for disposable vapes has changed considerably over the past two years: a new tax, a minimum age of 18, cantonal bans and a Federal Supreme Court ruling on tank volume. Here you will learn how Elfbar devices work, which device types exist, what currently applies in Switzerland and what to look out for when choosing a model and flavour.

Key points at a glance

• Two device types: Elfbar offers disposable vapes and rechargeable pod systems such as the ELFA Pro.
• Technology: a draw sensor activates the heating coil (mesh coil), which vaporises the nicotine salt liquid.
• Swiss law: sale only from 18. Disposable vapes are not (yet) banned nationwide, but they are in some cantons. Disposable devices may contain a maximum of 2 ml of liquid.
• Tax: since 1 October 2024, a tax of CHF 1.00 per ml applies to disposable e-cigarettes and CHF 0.20 per ml to nicotine-containing pods and liquids.

What is an Elfbar vape?

Elfbar is an internationally widespread vape brand. It is known for compact devices, a large selection of flavours and very simple operation: no buttons, no settings, you simply draw on the mouthpiece.

The Elfbar range basically includes two device types:

• Disposable vapes: pre-filled and pre-charged, they are discarded once used up.
• Pod systems (e.g. ELFA Pro): a rechargeable battery onto which you attach pre-filled pods. When a pod is empty, you only replace the pod.

The liquids usually contain nicotine salt. Nicotine salt feels smoother on the throat than freebase nicotine, but it works the same way: nicotine is addictive. You can find an overview of the product lines in the article Elfbar explained: products, flavours and use. For a general introduction to the topic, see our vaping guide.

How do Elfbar vapes work technically?

The principle is the same for disposables and pod systems. When you draw on the mouthpiece, an air pressure sensor detects the negative pressure and activates the heating coil. This heats the liquid in the pod, producing vapour (aerosol).

Many Elfbar models use a mesh coil. This is a fine metal mesh with a larger surface area than a conventional wire coil. It heats the liquid more evenly, which mainly affects how the flavour comes through.

This is how a puff works step by step:

1. Draw on the mouthpiece: the sensor detects the airflow.
2. Activation: the coil is powered by the battery.
3. Vaporisation: the liquid made of propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings and usually nicotine salt turns into aerosol.
4. Switch-off: when you stop drawing, the device switches off automatically.

A note on puff counts: manufacturer figures are based on short, even test puffs. In everyday use, depending on how long you draw, you often get considerably fewer. It is therefore better to compare devices by liquid volume in ml rather than by puff count.

Disposable, pod and the law: what applies in Switzerland?

The Tobacco Products Act (TabPG) has been in force since 1 October 2024. Since then, the following applies throughout Switzerland:

• Minimum age 18: e-cigarettes with and without nicotine may only be sold to adults aged 18 and over, including online with age verification.
• E-cigarette tax: CHF 1.00 per ml for disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml for nicotine-containing liquids and refill pods, plus 8.1% VAT in each case. What this means per device is shown in our article on vape tax: disposable vs pod calculated.

Disposable vapes are currently not banned at national level. Parliament has called for a ban, but when it will come into force is still open. However, some cantons have issued their own bans: in Valais, the Federal Supreme Court upheld the ban on 1 July 2026, and in Geneva it has applied again since 16 July 2026. Other cantons are discussing similar rules. You can find the current status in the overview Disposable vape ban: which cantons ban puff bars?.

In addition, on 14 April 2026 the Federal Supreme Court ruled that disposable e-cigarettes may contain no more than 2 ml of liquid and that this volume may not be extended by connected cartridges or additional tanks. Large "big puff" disposables with 5,000 or more puffs as well as hybrid devices can therefore no longer be sold in Switzerland.

Pod systems such as the ELFA Pro are rechargeable and not disposable devices. The cantonal disposable bans do not apply to them; the minimum age and the liquid tax on the pods of course still apply.

Empty devices and pods do not belong in household waste: take them back to the point of sale or to an e-waste collection point.

Pros and cons of Elfbar vapes

Elfbar devices have clear strengths, but also weaknesses. A sober look helps you decide.

What speaks for Elfbar:

• large choice of flavours, from fruit and mint to tobacco
• no filling, no settings: ready to use
• compact devices that fit in any pocket
• with the ELFA Pro: rechargeable battery and simple pod changes

What you should consider:

• Nicotine is addictive, including in the form of nicotine salt.
• Disposables generate significantly more e-waste than pod systems.
• Because of the higher tax per ml, disposables are more expensive than pods with regular use.
• Counterfeits are in circulation. Only buy from retailers who offer original products and age verification.

How to find the right Elfbar model and flavour

1. Choose the device type: if you vape regularly, a rechargeable pod system such as the ELFA Pro is usually cheaper and produces less waste.
2. Check the nicotine strength: the ELFA Pro pods at Snustrend contain 20 mg/ml nicotine salt. Check the label on the packaging and approach your personal level carefully.
3. Choose a flavour: popular choices are fruity flavours such as Watermelon or Strawberry Ice, fresh mint such as Spearmint or classic tobacco notes.
4. Test individually first: buy a new flavour as a single pod pack first before ordering larger quantities. Flavours often taste different as vapour than expected.

One way to get started is the ELFA Pro Kit Spearmint 20 mg. Matching refill pods such as the ELFA Pro V2 Pods Strawberry Ice can be found in the Elf Bar ELFA Pro collection.

If you do not smoke or vape, do not start. You can read more about risks and responsible use in the article Vape safety: understanding the risks.

Elfbar at Snustrend

At Snustrend you will find Elfbar devices, pods and liquids from Swiss trade, with age verification when ordering. You can see the full range in the Elf Bar collection, and further rechargeable devices from other brands under Pod systems. Shipping within Switzerland costs CHF 8.90, or CHF 4.90 (Economy) for orders from CHF 60.

Frequently asked questions about Elfbar vapes

Are Elfbar vapes allowed in Switzerland?

Yes, for adults aged 18 and over. Disposable vapes are currently not banned nationwide, but they are in some cantons such as Valais and Geneva, and they may contain no more than 2 ml of liquid. Rechargeable pod systems such as the ELFA Pro are not affected by the cantonal disposable bans.

What is the difference between a disposable and a pod system at Elfbar?

A disposable device is discarded entirely once it is used up. With a pod system, you recharge the battery via USB-C and only replace the empty pod. This produces less waste and, thanks to the lower tax per ml, is usually cheaper with regular use.

How many puffs does an Elfbar vape last?

That depends on the liquid volume and how you draw. Manufacturer figures are based on short test puffs; in everyday use it is often considerably fewer. The liquid volume in ml is more meaningful.

How do I dispose of empty Elfbar devices and pods?

Empty disposables and pods contain electronics or liquid residues and do not belong in household waste. Take them back to a point of sale or to an e-waste collection point.

Note: nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. This is not legal or tax advice.