BAN ON “PUFFS” IN SWITZERLAND: WHERE DO WE REALLY STAND?

INTRODUCTION

At Sweetch, we sell puffs exclusively to adults, as a simple solution to quit smoking. However, the legal framework is changing rapidly: several cantons have decided to ban disposable e-cigarettes, while the Swiss Confederation is preparing a nationwide ban. Between enforcement dates, implementation details, and legal appeals, here’s an overview of what is currently allowed and what is not.

CANTONAL PROHIBITIONS

Canton of Valais

• Decision: In February 2024, the Grand Council voted to ban puffs.

• Effective date: May 1, 2025, with a grace period without sanctions until November 1, 2025 to allow stock to be cleared.

• As of November 1, 2025: the ban becomes fully enforceable.

• Current situation: until the end of October 2025, it is still possible to find puffs in some points of sale, but from November onwards, it will be illegal.

• Opposition: Philip Morris has filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court, challenging the canton’s authority to ban a product that normally falls under federal law. The appeal does not automatically suspend the law, so the ban remains applicable for now.

Canton of Geneva

• Decision: On August 29, 2025, the Grand Council voted to ban puffs with immediate effect.

• Promulgation: The Council of State promulgated the law in early September.

• Problem: The ban is not yet enforced in practice. The cantonal government acknowledged a legal uncertainty: it must verify the compatibility of this ban with federal law. The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) confirmed that “the situation is unclear” and a violation of federal law cannot be ruled out.

• Practical consequence: Retailers have been notified, but they have not yet been prosecuted. In other words, sales remain legal in Geneva for now, despite the promulgation.

• Outlook: As in Valais, a Philip Morris appeal could further delay enforcement.

Canton of Jura

• Decision: In September 2024, the Jura Parliament voted in favor of a motion to ban puffs.

• Current status: This motion has not yet been translated into effective law. As of today, only the ban on sales to minors (in effect since 2022) applies.

• Practical consequence: Puffs can still be sold legally in Jura.

Canton of Vaud

• Decision: Since 15 July 2024, the sale of puffs has been prohibited to minors only.

• Current status: Puffs remain authorised for adults.

• Special feature: Unlike Valais and Geneva, Vaud has not opted for a total ban, which is fuelling debate, especially given the presence of the headquarters of Philip Morris in Lausanne.

FEDERAL LEVEL: BAN IN THE WORKS, NOT YET IN EFFECT

• In June 2024, the National Council accepted a motion by Christophe Clivaz (Greens/VS) aimed at banning puffs.

• In June 2025, the Council of States validated the motion.

• Next step: the Federal Council must incorporate this decision into the Tobacco Products Act (LPTab).

• Current status: this ban has not yet entered into force. As long as the Federal Council has not legislated, cantonal bans remain in a legal grey area.

PHILIP MORRIS: THE LEGAL BATTLE

• In June 2025: Philip Morris International filed an appeal with the Federal Court against the Valais ban.

• Argument: only federal law should regulate tobacco products; a cantonal ban would violate the hierarchy of norms.

• Consequence: until the Federal Court has ruled, any cantonal ban remains fragile. Geneva could in turn be challenged.

CONCLUSION

The situation of puffs in Switzerland can be summarized as follows:

• Valais: ban voted → effective from November 2025 (end of the grace period).

• Geneva: ban voted and promulgated → not yet enforced, sales remain legal for now.

• Jura: ban voted → not yet implemented.

• Vaud: ban applies only to minors.

• Federal level: nationwide ban in preparation, but not yet in force.

At Sweetch, we remind our customers that our products are intended exclusively for adult smokers who wish to turn the page on tobacco. E-cigarettes are recognized by many health organizations as the most effective alternative to quit smoking and at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

If puffs gradually disappear from the market, there are already sustainable, rechargeable and responsible solutions available, offering the same ease of use, but with less environmental impact and always with the goal of reducing the risks associated with tobacco.

Our mission remains unchanged: to support every adult smoker towards a smoke-free life, with the best alternatives available.


Thank you for reading.

The Sweetch Team

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