Geneva bans sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with immediate effect

The Grand Council in Geneva has voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes), effective immediately. 

Sale of disposable e-cigarettes now banned in Geneva

On August 29, Geneva joined several other Swiss cantons in banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (also known as vapes or puff bars). The ban is effective immediately. "These products, which are intended to appeal to young people, are a disgrace," said SP Grand Councillor Jennifer Conti, reported by Blick. 

The ban means that smokers can no longer buy disposable vapes in the canton of Geneva. While the sale of e-cigarettes has been banned, it is still legal to use e-cigarettes and vapes. 18 years old is the legal age at which you can still use e-cigarettes in Geneva. 

However, there are various rules on where you can vape or smoke. For example, you cannot smoke or vape indoors or near schools, playgrounds, kindergartens, outdoor pools, sports grounds, on public transport, or at bus stops. According to a 2023 study by Unisanté and Promotion santé Valais, 59 percent of young adults aged between 14 and 25 have tried vapes at least once. The Grand Council in Geneva also “denounced the catastrophic effects” that disposable e-cigarettes can pose to the environment, reports RTS.

Swiss parliament in favour of banning disposable vapes nationwide

The ban in Geneva comes after the Swiss House of Representatives voted in favour of banning the sales of disposable e-cigarettes in June 2024. The Swiss Senate followed a year later, in June 2025, and also voted in favour of the ban. 

While lawmakers implement the new regulations, many cantons are passing their own bans, indicating a growing push for change across the country. Disposable e-cigarettes can no longer be sold in Bern, Jura and Valais, and many other cantons have drafted proposals to be voted on.

Switzerland is not the only country that is implementing limitations on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. European countries like Belgium and France have already banned the sale of vapes, and the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive sets limits on nicotine, flavours and advertising.