Switzerland Basel City Government Rejects Disposable E-Cigarette Ban

Feb.12.2025
Switzerland Basel City Government Rejects Disposable E-Cigarette Ban
Switzerland's Basel City government rejects disposable e-cigarette ban, citing conflict with higher laws but shows sympathy towards prohibition.

According to a report from Nau on February 11, the government of the city canton of Basel in Switzerland has announced that they will not be implementing a ban on disposable e-cigarettes.


The state government believes that the motion to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes goes against "higher level laws" and is therefore unacceptable. Despite this, the state government still sympathizes with the ban.


The government has recommended that the Grand Council consider the motion proposed by Christoph Hochuli (EVP) as a guide for review. The government is generally in favor of measures to ban disposable e-cigarettes and has stated that it will continue to monitor developments at the federal and state levels.


A nationwide discussion on e-cigarettes is currently underway in Switzerland. The National Council voted 45 to 35, with 11 abstentions, in November 2024 to refer Hockuli's motion to the government for an initial report.


In the states of Valais and Vaud, the parliament has decided to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, while discussions on a federal ban are also underway. In June 2024, the National Council accepted a similar motion put forward by Christophe Clivaz, a Green Party member of the Valais National Council, with a vote of 122 in favor, 63 against, and 4 abstentions.


It has not yet been decided whether a nationwide ban will be implemented. The federal parliament will make a decision on the ban next.


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