The e-cigarette market is developing fast. Whether you’re looking for an easy disposable vape for on the go, love fruity flavours or want to refill your pod system: in this article you’ll learn which types of vapes exist, how nicotine salt works, which rules apply in Switzerland and what to look out for when choosing from the Snustrend vape range.
The different types of vapes at a glance
Which device suits you depends mainly on how much effort you want to put in and how flexible you want to be.
Disposable vapes
Disposable e-cigarettes are the simplest solution. They come filled with liquid, charged and ready to use.
- Draw-activated: no switching on, no buttons, just draw.
- Maintenance-free: no refilling and no changing coils.
- Compact: handy on the go.
In Switzerland, since a Federal Supreme Court ruling of 14 April 2026, disposable e-cigarettes may contain no more than 2 ml of liquid, without extension by additional tanks. Empty disposables contain a lithium battery and belong at a collection point for electrical devices, not in household waste. You’ll find our selection in the Disposable Vapes collection.
Pod systems
Pod systems combine the compactness of a disposable vape with a rechargeable battery. You only change the prefilled or refillable pods.
- Less electronic waste: the battery is reused, only the pods are replaced.
- Often cheaper in the long run: pods and liquids are taxed less per millilitre than disposables.
Devices like the Elf Bar ELFA Pro or the Aroma King SMART are rechargeable pod systems, not disposable vapes. The Pod Systems collection gives you an overview.
Why nicotine salt (nic salt)?
Most compact vapes use nicotine salt liquids instead of classic freebase nicotine. This affects the vaping experience:
- Smoother throat hit: even at higher nicotine strengths (e.g. 20 mg/ml), the vapour is less harsh on the throat.
- Faster absorption: nicotine salt is absorbed quickly, so dose consciously.
- Clearer flavour: the nicotine’s own taste is more neutral, so the flavours come through more clearly.
You’ll find nicotine salt refill liquids in our Liquid collection, among others.
Which device suits you?
| Criterion | Disposable vape | Pod system |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | none (unpack and vape) | low (charge and change pods) |
| Flavour choice | very wide | very wide |
| Tax | CHF 1.00 per ml | CHF 0.20 per ml on nicotine-containing pods/liquids |
| Reuse | single use | reusable device |
What applies in Switzerland?
- 18 and over: Since 1 October 2024, e-cigarettes with and without nicotine may only be sold to adults aged 18 and over, including online.
- Tax: CHF 1.00 per ml on disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones), CHF 0.20 per ml on nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus 8.1% VAT. More in the article Vape tax in Switzerland.
- Cantonal bans: Disposable vapes are not banned nationally, but the cantons of Valais and Geneva have their own bans. Details in the article Disposable vape ban: cantons at a glance.
Ordering vapes at Snustrend
- Fast delivery: delivery throughout Switzerland. Shipping costs CHF 8.90, or CHF 4.90 (Economy) for orders from CHF 60.
- Original products: branded products from well-known manufacturers such as Elf Bar and Aroma King.
- Wide choice of flavours: from icy mint and tropical fruit to classic tobacco.
- Age verification: we only sell to adults aged 18 and over.
Nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you’re using a pod system for the first time, the vape beginner’s guide for Switzerland covers the key steps.
Discover the variety of flavours in the Snustrend vape range.
Frequently asked questions about vapes
What is the difference between a disposable vape and a pod system?
A disposable vape comes prefilled and is thrown away once empty. A pod system has a rechargeable battery and you only change the pods.
Is the ELFA Pro a disposable vape?
No. The Elf Bar ELFA Pro is a rechargeable pod system with replaceable pods.
From what age can you buy vapes?
From 18. In Switzerland, this has applied since 1 October 2024 to e-cigarettes with and without nicotine, including online purchases.
What should I do with empty disposable vapes?
Empty disposables contain a lithium battery and belong at a collection point for electrical devices or back at the point of sale, not in household waste.
Note: Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive.
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