NEW REGULATIONS ON ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

WHAT VAPERS NEED TO KNOW

From October 2024, a new Swiss regulation will be introduced on electronic cigarettes and by-products.

This reform is designed to provide better protection for consumers, while providing a stricter framework for the e-cigarette market. This detailed guide will provide you with all the information you need about these regulations and their implications for vapers, including the product availability and the potential impact on prices.

NEW PACKAGING AND LABELLING STANDARDS

Packaging of nicotine-containing liquids

The new regulations set precise limits on the volume of nicotine-containing liquids :

• Refills : A maximum volume of 10 millilitres per refill, with a 20 mg maximum concentration of nicotine per millilitre.

• Disposable electronic cigarettes and single-use cartridges : A maximum volume of 2 millilitres per unit, with a 20 mg maximum concentration of nicotine per millilitre.

These restrictions are designed to minimise the risk of excessive nicotine consumption and to make it easier for users to control the amount of nicotine they inhale. As of October 2024, only nicotine boosters will be authorised to add nicotine to your e-liquids.

Mandatory labelling

The labelling of electronic cigarette packaging must include a number of crucial information :

• The specific name of the product.

• The company name of the manufacturer or importer.

• The country of production, if not indicated in the company name.

• Health warnings specifying health hazards and potential dependence.

• For liquids with nicotine, it is also mandatory to indicate the nicotine content in milligrams per millilitre.

The warnings must cover at least 35% of the most visible side of the packaging and be printed in bold type. Liquids containing nicotine must be child-proof, break-proof and leak-proof when filling.

Instructions Manual

Each package must include a detailed instruction manual covering :

• These details must be easily accessible, possibly via a QR code or an e-mail address.Usage and storage instructions.

• A warning against the use by minors and non-smokers.

• A list of ingredients in descending order of weight.

• Warnings and precautions for at-risk groups.

• Contact details for the manufacturer or importer.

These details must be easily accessible, possibly via a QR code or an e-mail address.

IMPACT FOR VAPERS

Product range

The introduction of these regulations will lead to a re-evaluation of many products on the market. Manufacturers will have to ensure that their products comply with the new safety, labelling and packaging standards. This could lead to a temporary reduction in the diversity of products available while manufacturers adjust their offer.

Product prices with the Nicotine Tax

One of the main consequences of the new regulations is the introduction of a nicotine tax. The nicotine content in vape products must not exceed 20 milligrams per gram. With this tax, the prices of nicotine-containing products are likely to rise.

The new law provides for the following taxes :

• E-liquids : CHF 2.- for each 10 ml bottle containing nicotine.

• Disposable electronic cigarettes : CHF 2.- for each unit containing nicotine.

As a result, vapers can expect higher prices for nicotine boosters, nicotine salts, puffs and other nicotine-containing products.

CONCLUSION

The new Swiss regulations on electronic cigarettes, which will come into force in October 2024, introduce rigorous standards to protect consumers. Volume limits for nicotine liquids, detailed labelling requirements, and increased safety measures for refills are all measures designed to make the use of e-cigarettes safer and more accountable.

For vapers, these changes mean that they will have to adapt to a new range of products that comply with safety and packaging standards. Although this may lead to higher prices, particularly due to the nicotine tax, these measures aim to reduce health risks and encourage more responsible consumption practices.

By choosing products that comply with these new standards, consumers can be sure that they are vaping safely, while enjoying the benefits of electronic cigarettes over traditional cigarettes.

Thank you for reading.

The Sweetch team