Tobacco and tobacco prevention

Products that can be consumed and that consist, even in part, of genetically modified or non-genetically modified tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, snus, chewing tobacco, snuff, novel tobacco products such as heated tobacco products, etc.)

Electronic cigarettes or liquids with and without nicotine and any component of such products, nicotine-containing pouches without tobacco for oral use

Products based on plants, herbs or fruits that do not contain tobacco and can be consumed by means of a combustion process or heating process

In 2024, the placing on the market of tobacco and related products will be comprehensively re-regulated both in the EEA and in Switzerland. These new regulations are primarily aimed at protecting health and will make it much more difficult to trade in these products.

Detailed information is available upon request from the Food and Veterinary Office. 

Please use the form to report your manufacturing, importing or trading operation:

The general ban on smoking applies in public buildings, public transport and enclosed spaces open to the public.

Smoking is prohibited indoors and outdoors in schools as defined by the School Act, as well as meeting and care centers for children and adolescents.

Note: (Tents that have more than one side wall closed are considered to be enclosed spaces)

Smoking in catering establishments is permitted under certain conditions.

If the establishment has only one guest room, the responsible person may apply to the Food and Veterinary Office for a smoking establishment permit at a charge.

The smoking establishment permit is issued to the establishment (legal entity).  If the responsible person of the establishment changes, the smoking establishment permit remains valid for the structurally unchanged guest room. However, the establishment is obliged to inform the Food and Veterinary Office in writing about the change.

If the business consists of more than one guest room, then a smoking room may be established in an adjoining room. However, this smoking room must meet several requirements, in particular must:

• the room must not be larger than one-third of the total guest room area, and 
• the door must be self-closing.

The establishment is required to notify the Food and Veterinary Office in writing of the smoking room.

Persons in charge of public buildings, enclosed spaces open to the public, etc., must signal the ban on smoking by posting a notice or symbol.

In a hospitality establishment that is a licensed smoking establishment or that has established a smoking area that complies with the law, the appropriate notice or symbol shall be prominently displayed at the entrance.

Symbols for no smoking, smoking establishment and smoking room are available free of charge from the Food and Veterinary Office.