Ticino moves toward a ban on disposable e-cigarette sales

The Council of State has backed a motion calling for a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in Ticino, the so-called "puffs". The cantonal government intends to submit a proposal to the Gran Consiglio by the end of the year. If parliament approves it, the ban could take effect as early as next summer.

"Puffs" are scented, colourful devices available in numerous flavours that have spread rapidly in recent years, especially among the very young. Their success has raised two kinds of concern: health concerns, linked to nicotine and their appeal to minors, and environmental ones. Once used up, the devices are thrown away, even though they contain plastic, electronic components, chemical substances and batteries — materials that should be disposed of separately but often end up in ordinary waste.

The motion was put forward two years ago by Centre party member Maddalena Ermotti-Lepori, with support from lawmakers of other parties. On Wednesday, Raffaele De Rosa, head of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, brought the matter before the Council of State, which decided to support the introduction of the ban.

The Valais precedent

Ticino's position was reinforced by a ruling of the Federal Supreme Court. Valais has banned the sale of "puffs" since May 2025, and last July judges in Lausanne rejected appeals against the measure, finding the ban compatible with federal law. According to the judges, the restriction does not infringe economic freedom, since it serves public interests linked to protecting health and the environment — a clarification that undercuts arguments against such measures made solely in the name of market freedom.

Other cantons have moved in the same direction, including Jura and Geneva. A move is also planned at the national level: in June 2025 the federal chambers approved a motion calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. It is now up to the Federal Council to draft the necessary legislative change, but cantons can act ahead of it, as Ticino now intends to do.

Both the cantonal ban and the federal one in the works would apply only to disposable models, not to rechargeable e-cigarettes. What remains to be seen is what tools will be used to enforce the rule once it is adopted, and how young people already accustomed to these products will be guided toward alternatives that are less harmful to health and the environment.