Guide for Swiss vapers from October 2024

INTRODUCTION

From October 1st 2024, new regulations relating to the Tobacco Products Act (LPTab) and the Tobacco Products Ordinance (OPTab) will come into force in Switzerland. These measures are aimed primarily at protecting young people while ensuring the safety of vaping product consumers. Here's what you need to know.

AGE VERIFICATION : A STRICT OBLIGATION

One of the new provisions is a strict ban on the sale of vaping products to minors. Whether in shops or online, age verification is now compulsory.

Online, this includes a check by digital ID, and in physical shops, an automatic check will be carried out for all customers, regardless of their appearance.

HEALTH WARNINGS AND LABELLING

All products with nicotine must display a clearly visible health warning. Nicotine-free products are not exempt and must also include an appropriate health warning. In addition, the labelling must clearly state the nicotine content and comply with strict labelling standards, guaranteeing complete and transparent information to vapers.

PACKAGING OF NICOTINE-CONTAINING LIQUIDS

The new regulations impose specific restrictions on the volumes of liquids containing nicotine in order to limit the risks associated with overconsumption :

• Refills : Maximum of 10 millilitres per bottle, with a nicotine level not exceeding 20 mg/ml.
• Disposable electronic cigarettes and cartridges : Maximum of 2 millilitres per unit, with an identical concentration of 20 mg/ml.

From October 1st 2024, only nicotine boosters will be authorised to add nicotine to e-liquids, and it will be up to the customer to add the nicotine.

TAX ON NICOTINE

The new regulations introduce a specific tax on vape products with nicotine :

• E-liquids : CHF 2.00 per 10 ml bottle with nicotine.
• Sealed cartridges : CHF 0.40 per 2 ml pod.
• Disposable electronic cigarettes (puffs) : CHF 2 per unit.

This tax will lead to higher prices for nicotine- containing products, in particular nicotine boosters, nicotine salts and puffs.

RESTRICTIONS ON ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

Advertising for vaping products will be severely restricted, particularly in public spaces, cinemas and public transport, as well as in media viewed mainly by minors.

In addition, the free distribution of products and competitions are now prohibited.

To keep our community of vapers informed, we have created a private Facebook group dedicated to exchanges and communication in full compliance with the legislation.

CONCLUSION

The Swiss legislative reform on e-cigarettes, which will apply from October 2024, introduces strict standards to ensure consumer safety. These measures are designed to make the use of e-cigarettes safer and more transparent.

For vapers, this means adapting to a new range of products that comply with safety and packaging standards. These changes are designed to reduce health risks and promote more responsible consumption practices.

By choosing products that comply with these new regulations, consumers can vape safely, while still enjoying the benefits of e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes.

Thank you for your attention and your commitment to safer, more responsible vaping.

The Sweetch team