It is a kind of liberation that Swiss vapers must have felt for a few days. Indeed, after years of waiting and frustration, nicotine has finally been authorized for marketing in e-liquids. But what are the real consequences of this decision of the Federal Administrative Court (TAF) ?
A FIRST VICTORY BUT NOT A FINALITY!
It's a victory! A victory for vapers, a victory for risk reduction. However, it is only a battle that has been won because this authorization of nicotine for e-liquids has a price that the defenders of the electronic cigarette did not want to pay. In fact, as nothing is simple in terms of legislation, this decision risks placing these products in the category of tobacco products, in the same way as heated tobacco. Currently in consultation, the future law which will come into force at the earliest in 2022 seems to go in this direction.
EXPANSION OF VAPOTAGE IN HELVETES!
It's hard to talk about risk reduction and putting e-cigarettes forward in a country where it's impossible to offer nicotine-containing products. With this decision of the Federal Administrative Court (TAF) (you should know that the whole process took two years) this is a real opportunity that opens up for all Swiss smokers who want to end smoking.
You should know that in Switzerland, the proportion of vapers remains quite low. Indeed, according to theFederal Office of Public Health (OFSP) only 0,7% of Swiss use the electronic cigarette while nearly 25 people die every day as a result of smoking. It seems obvious that this decision should allow vaping to gain popularity in the coming months and years in Switzerland.
On the site Migros Magazine, many testimonials show the relief of vapers following this authorization of nicotine. Luciano, 45 years declares I never understood this prohibition. As if they refused to help us quit smoking."
Sandra, 47 years old seems relieved by this decision ” It was obvious, No more running abroad or cheating to help us quit smoking »
TOWARDS AN EXPLOSION OF THE VAPE MARKET IN SWITZERLAND?
If for most European countries the electronic cigarette market clearly exploded in 2014, this is not quite the case for Switzerland, which because of this ban on nicotine has remained behind. With this authorization of nicotine for e-liquids, a new economic sector is opening up in Switzerland. New shops will emerge, many e-liquid manufacturers will no longer hesitate to settle in the country and more and more exhibitions dedicated to vaping will be organized in the years to come.
For example, this is very good news for the Vapecon Switzerland 2018 which will take place on 19 and 20 May .
A NICOTINE ALREADY PRESENT EVEN DURING THE BAN!
Let us not believe that nicotine was totally banned from electronic cigarette shops in Switzerland either. In reality, it's been a long time since the parade was found by opening private clubs within the shops to offer the insertion of nicotine in e-liquids. Many Swiss vapers did not hesitate to cross the different borders of the country in order to provide themselves with e-liquids with nicotine, whether in France or even in Germany.
But let's be clear, these techniques that are more DIY than anything else have not helped the electronic cigarette to impose itself in the country. Thanks to the authorization of nicotine e-liquids, many products unavailable until now that will be able to return to stock in stores. This should also simplify the approach for sellers in terms of advice and improve the logistics of all vaping professionals present in the country.
THE CONDITION OF SALE OF E-LIQUIDS WITH NICOTINE IN SWITZERLAND
Despite the sale authorization that has been issued, it is important to provide some details on the elements to be respected. Indeed, to be sold the products must meet the technical requirements of an EU Member State or the European Economic Area (EEA) and be legally marketed in an EU or EEA member state. If these products are manufactured in Switzerland under EU law, their transport is also permitted.
The only downside is this future law currently in consultation which could interfere with the freedom of vapers and the Swiss vape market by 2022. Because if currently, nothing is defined in the matter Judith Deflorin, Head of the Market Access Division at the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) think that e-cigarettes should be subject to the same restrictions on advertising and distribution to minors as traditional cigarettes. With the current legal situation, nicotine advertising and delivery times are not yet regulated.
