The canton of Geneva, Switzerland, has banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with the new law taking immediate effect. The Grand Council (cantonal parliament) passed the legislation almost unanimously on Friday, citing concerns over public health and the environment.
Lawmakers condemned the products, also known as "vapes" or "puff bars," as a "disgrace" intended to appeal to young people with their attractive flavors and designs. They also denounced the "catastrophic impact" of these single-use devices on the environment. Disposable e-cigarettes have been available in Switzerland for about five years and are particularly popular with youth.
Geneva joins several other Swiss cantons, including Valais, Bern, and Jura, that have already enacted similar bans. This move comes as a nationwide ban on disposable vapes is also planned, following the approval of a motion by both the National Council and the Council of States. The Federal Council is now tasked with amending the national Tobacco Products Act to implement the country-wide prohibition, which will exempt rechargeable e-cigarettes.
