The ban on electronic cigarettes in Europe starts from Switzerland.

In a decisive step to protect the environment and youth health, Switzerland has approved a ban on single-use electronic cigarettes after the second chamber of the Swiss parliament voted in favor of the decision on Wednesday. Under this vote, the Swiss government will now be tasked with drafting an official law to implement the ban. Notably, this ban does not include rechargeable e-cigarettes but targets single-use devices that have become increasingly popular among young people, especially those colorful and flavored enticingly like "cotton candy" and "gummy bears." Several lawmakers have expressed concerns about the growing addiction to these devices, with reports of children as young as 12 becoming heavily attached to these products, unable to wait until the next break without "puffing" on them. The concern extends beyond addiction to include environmental impact; these products contain harmful materials that are difficult to recycle, making them an environmental burden, prompting the parliament to take action. These products began to spread in Switzerland since 2020, with imports increasing by approximately 30% annually, raising concerns about their widespread use and negative impact on public health and the environment. On a European level, the European Union is following in Switzerland's footsteps, planning to legislate a ban on the sale of these cigarettes by the end of 2026. The United Kingdom has already implemented the ban, while Germany still allows their sale. With this decision, Switzerland joins the list of countries taking strict stances against nicotine products targeting young age groups and negatively affecting health and the environment.