Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling

Nov.07.2025
Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling
The Canton of Geneva has begun enforcing its ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) after the cantonal court rejected industry appeals to suspend the law. Passed on August 29 by the Grand Council, the ban will now be actively monitored by trade inspectors, while a similar measure is already in force in Valais.

Key Points:

 

  • Geneva banned disposable e-cigarettes on August 29, 2025.
  • Legal appeals delayed enforcement pending a court decision.
  • The cantonal court has now rejected the request for suspensive effect.
  • The Department of Economy and Employment confirmed inspections will begin immediately.
  • A federal law banning disposable vapes is now being drafted.

 

2Firsts, Nov. 7, 2025 — The Canton of Geneva announced it will begin conducting inspections to ensure that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes, known locally as “puffs,” is properly enforced.

 

The ban was adopted by the Grand Council on August 29, 2025, but enforcement had been on hold while several appeals were pending before the Constitutional Chamber of the Cantonal Court of Justice. The tobacco industry plaintiffs had requested that the ban be suspended until the case was heard.

 

The court has now rejected those requests, confirming that the law remains applicable throughout the judicial process. The Department of Economy and Employment, notified on Thursday afternoon, stated that “the application of the law voted by the Grand Council, with an emergency clause, is confirmed for the duration of the legal proceedings.”

 

The department added that trade police will carry out inspections and penalize violations. Retailers will first receive an official information letter before on-site checks begin.

 

The Canton of Valais also began enforcing its own disposable vape ban on November 1. That canton had passed the measure in May but allowed a grace period for retailers. The Federal Supreme Court has likewise refused to suspend enforcement, allowing the ban to proceed.

 

At the federal level, both the National Council (in June 2024) and the Council of States (in June 2025) have adopted motions calling for a nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes. The Federal Council is now tasked with drafting a law to implement this decision, signaling an inevitable nationwide prohibition in the near future.

 

Source: 20 Minutes Switzerland

 

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