The Geneva Court of Justice has upheld appeals filed by four tobacco-related associations and companies, striking down the canton’s ban on disposable vapes, commonly known as “puffs.”
The court ruled that, following the introduction of federal legislation covering tobacco products and e-cigarettes, individual cantons no longer have the authority to impose such bans. This power now rests with the federal government. It further emphasized that Geneva’s prohibition violated the constitutional principle that federal law takes precedence over cantonal law.
At the national level, efforts to ban disposable e-cigarettes are already in progress. A federal procedure was launched in spring 2025 after the Federal Assembly approved a motion supporting such a prohibition. That process remains ongoing.
Despite the ruling, the decision is not final. It may still be challenged before the Federal Supreme Court, provided legal requirements for appeal are met.
Geneva had originally enacted the ban in August 2025, when its Grand Council passed the measure with near-unanimous support. An emergency clause was included to ensure immediate implementation and to signal strong political intent.
