Ban on Disposable Vapes in Switzerland: Innovations, Backgrounds, and International Comparisons

Background and Motivation

On June 4, 2025, the Swiss Council of States approved a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This decision follows the approval of the National Council in 2024 and aims to protect young people from the health risks of continued nicotine consumption. Swissinfo.ch

The Regulation in Detail

The new regulations apply exclusively to disposable e-cigarettes, i.e., closed systems with a maximum fill volume of 2 ml of e-liquid and a nicotine content of up to 20 mg/ml. Pod systems and larger, refillable e-cigarettes are exempt from the ban. AT Schweiz

International Comparisons

France has already prohibited the sale of disposable e-cigarettes as of February 26, 2025, to protect young people and the environment. The ban includes all closed disposable systems that are not refillable. Service-public.fr

In England and Wales, a similar ban on disposable vapes will come into effect on June 1, 2025. Here, too, only non-refillable disposable systems are affected. Financial Times

Impact and Outlook

Swiss professional associations welcome the ban as an important step towards youth and environmental protection. However, critics fear that consumers may turn to the black market or use unregulated products. In the long term, it is expected that manufacturers will increasingly offer refillable systems to comply with legal requirements.

Conclusion

By limiting itself to closed 2 ml disposable systems, Switzerland aligns itself with international models while also creating clear framework conditions. Pods and larger, refillable devices remain available and provide adult users with alternatives. Whether the ban will achieve its desired effects will become apparent in the coming months.