The decision came in response to an appeal by a company against the ban, which had been imposed by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). This type of product is already on sale in the European Union.
“The FAC’s decision on Tuesday authorizes with immediate effect the import and sale of flacons of liquid with nicotine for e-cigarettes,” Judith Deflorin of the FSVO told Swiss broadcaster SRF on Friday evening.
Stefan Meile, director of the InSmoke company that brought the legal action and president of the Swiss Vape Trade Association, expressed satisfaction at the court’s decision. He said it was an important “signal” to the government with regard to health policy.
The government was already moving towards authorizing e-cigarettes with nicotine as part of a new Bill on tobacco products presented in December. Current research suggests that e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes and may provide a less risky alternative.
According to provisional estimates, 0.7% of the Swiss population used e-cigarettes or similar products in 2016, up from 0,4% in 2013.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
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On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
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The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
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The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
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The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
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New initiative calls for tobacco advertising ban
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All tobacco advertising that targets children and young adults should be banned, demands a people’s initiative launched on Tuesday.
WHO report ‘gives misleading view on e-cigarettes’
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In a critique of the WHO’s background paper on e-cigarettesExternal link, which acted as a blueprint for a WHO report last month calling for more regulation of the devices, they said its evaluation of the evidence was inaccurate (see box). They also criticised the WHO-backed reports for “using alarmist language to describe findings and to…
100 tons of cigarette butts litter Swiss train platforms every year
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The information, obtained from internal documents and published by paper SonntagsBlick on Sunday, was confirmed by the railway company. The paper also revealed that 1,200 personnel are charged with keeping the platforms tidy daily throughout the country. Part of their job is to empty the 6,371 dedicated cigarette ash and butt disposal bins installed on…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.