Switzerland: 91 % of the disposable electronic cigarettes and e-liquids analyzed are non-compliant

A investigation A 2025 study conducted by the Basel-Stadt Cantonal Laboratory revealed that almost all disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids sold in Switzerland have major non-conformities. Of the 32 products analyzed, 29 (91 %) were flagged for violations related to exceeding regulatory limits, the presence of undeclared or prohibited substances, safety defects, or a lack of administrative compliance. Two products exceeded the legal nicotine limit of 20 mg/mL, and 44.8 % contained a volume of liquid exceeding the maximum permitted.[1].

The analyses also revealed frequent labeling errors, undeclared substances, and exceedances of lead limits in electronic components. These findings underscore the need for stricter controls and improved monitoring of the import and distribution chain for these products.

The study was conducted using 32 products sampled from ten points of sale, including kiosks, gas stations, online retailers, and specialty shops. Analyses focused on liquid volume, actual nicotine content, the potential presence of prohibited or undeclared substances, the conformity of electronic components, and the accuracy of mandatory labeling and technical documentation. The laboratories employed several complementary analytical techniques, including HPLC-PDA chromatography, GC-MS, gravimetric measurement, and X-ray fluorescence analysis for heavy metals. The checks also included verification of advance recycling fees and declarations of conformity for electronic devices.

Widespread non-compliance of the analyzed products

The investigation revealed that only three out of 32 products complied with the regulations. The identified problems primarily concerned the volume of liquid in the devices, often far exceeding the legal maximum, as well as the nicotine content, sometimes exceeding the permitted limit or significantly deviating from the manufacturers' specifications. In some cases, the difference between the declared and measured values exceeded 30 mg/L. Labeling was also frequently incomplete or inaccurate: absence of nicotine level information, warnings not in national languages, and missing information on hazards or expiration dates. These findings point to insufficient controls during importation and marketing.

Undeclared additives and problematic substances

The analyses reveal the frequent presence of substances not listed on the packaging, including additives WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5.[2], These additives are used to reduce the cough reflex and facilitate inhalation. Although commonly found in disposable products, these additives are rarely listed in ingredients, limiting the information available to consumers. Nineteen products containing WS-23 had no mention of it on the label. One product also contained a substance classified as reprotoxic (a chemical that can impair fertility, cause birth defects, or harm the development of the embryo or fetus). While some hazards, such as vitamin E acetate, were not detected, the study highlights that the long-term toxicity of inhaled additives remains poorly understood due to a lack of sufficient data.

Environmental risks and non-compliance with regulatory obligations

Inspectors found several non-conformities related to electronic components and environmental obligations. Five devices had lead levels exceeding regulatory limits, while for nearly half of the products subject to the advance battery recycling levy, the levy had not been paid. Furthermore, more than half of the importers were unable to provide a declaration demonstrating their compliance with the requirements for electrical appliances. These deficiencies reinforce the finding of a significant lack of oversight in the supply chain and a real health and environmental risk associated with the distribution of these disposable products.

Immediate strengthening of controls and the need for sustained monitoring

Faced with numerous documented non-conformities, the authorities took several immediate measures, including prohibiting the sale of products exceeding permitted nicotine or volume limits, those containing reprotoxic substances, or those with non-compliant electronic components. Importers were required to correct labeling and technical documentation, provide complete declarations of conformity, and retroactively pay environmental taxes owed on devices containing batteries.

Beyond these measures, the scale of the irregularities observed underscores the need for a sustained strengthening of market surveillance. The study highlights structural deficiencies in importers' self-monitoring, a lack of reliability in the declarations provided, and health risks linked to the presence of additives with poorly documented toxicological data. It also reiterates the importance of stricter regulations for disposable products, which combine safety issues, risks of exposure to undeclared substances, and a significant environmental impact.

The results thus call for strengthened border controls, further harmonization of regulations applicable to electronic cigarettes, continued toxicological research on inhaled additives, and improved consumer information. The implementation of these actions is crucial to limiting the marketing of non-compliant products and better protecting users' health, the study's authors emphasize.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE

[1] Press release, Sehr schlechte Konformität von Einweg-E-Zigaretten, Canton of Basel-City, published December 8, accessed December 11, 2025

[2] WS-23, WS-3, and WS-5 belong to the same family of additives known as "cooling agents." They are not flavorings in the strict sense, but synthetic compounds added to many e-liquids to produce a cooling sensation upon inhalation.