In Switzerland, a recent study by the Swiss Association for Smoking Prevention has highlighted significant non-compliance issues among disposable electronic cigarettes in the market, regarding both e-liquid volume and nicotine levels.
Overview of Legal Standards and Non-Compliance
The legal standards for electronic cigarettes in Switzerland are aligned with the 2014 European directive. This legislation stipulates that disposable e-cigarettes, often referred to as “puff bars,” should not contain more than 2ml of liquid, which is roughly equivalent to 600 puffs. However, findings from the association’s study reveal that over half of the disposable e-cigarettes available on the Swiss market surpass these legal limits.
Extent of Non-Compliance
It is not uncommon to find disposable e-cigarettes that offer 1,500 to 2,500 puffs in local stores or through online platforms. Moreover, some products even feature tanks as large as 30ml, providing up to 16,000 puffs, which is 15 times the permissible limit under current regulations.
Nicotine Content Violations
Alongside the issue with liquid volume, there are serious concerns about the nicotine content in these products. While the law caps the nicotine strength at 20 mg/ml for disposable e-cigarettes, there are reports of products in the market that contain nicotine concentrations as high as 50 mg/ml. Some regions have taken action, with certain cantons requiring stores to remove these non-compliant products from their shelves.
Challenges in Enforcement
The ease of accessing these high-capacity and high-nicotine products exacerbates the challenge, especially with the availability of direct orders from international sites, including Chinese manufacturers, which do not adhere to Swiss regulations. This loophole allows Swiss consumers to bypass local restrictions and import products that do not meet the legal standards.
Public Health and Legal Implications
The prevalence of such non-compliant disposable e-cigarettes raises significant public health concerns. High nicotine levels can lead to stronger nicotine dependence, particularly among young users and non-smokers. Moreover, the legal discrepancies and enforcement challenges undermine efforts to regulate the market effectively and protect consumers.
Need for Enhanced Regulatory Measures
This situation underscores the need for Switzerland to enhance its regulatory framework and enforcement measures to ensure that all disposable e-cigarettes sold in the country comply with established safety and health standards. This may involve tighter controls on imports and better coordination with international partners to prevent the influx of non-compliant products.
