Switzerland announces total ban on Vapes, marketing of oral cigarettes effective July 1

The Swiss Fair Competition Commission has banned the commercial distribution of e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products aimed at teenagers as of July 1, according to Swiss news outlet horizont. This includes the popular Snus (an oral tobacco product). The decision comes ahead of a new tobacco products bill that will take effect in early 2024.

 

According to media reports, in May this year, the Swiss FCC decided in plenary session to extend the relevant provisions to e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products.

 

Currently, in guideline D.7, it is clearly stated that “all commercial distribution of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, oral nicotine products and alcoholic beverages that are specifically targeted at young people under the age of 18 and that induce their consumption of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, oral nicotine products and alcoholic beverages is prohibited.” This includes advertising in key youth gathering places, youth-oriented news media, sports and cultural events primarily attended by youth, and promotional tours.

 

“The FCC anticipates that market participants should faithfully adhere to the new regulations to protect minors as soon as possible,” the FCC continued in a statement Tuesday evening.

 

According to its international study, the Health Behavior Survey of School-Age Children (HBSC), the most common percentage of e-cigarette consumption among 15-year-olds in Switzerland is 21 percent. The trendy snus (an oral tobacco product) accounted for 7.3 percent. Although the percentage may seem small, it has doubled compared to 2018.