Obligations of companies
Reporting requirement
Manufacturers or importers of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are obliged to report them to the Federal Office of Public Health within one year of their market launch (BAG) to report. If there are significant product changes, a new notification is required. The BAG is now publishing the reports on the Internet via the website www.tabacinfo.ch
Self-control
Anyone who offers tobacco products or electronic cigarettes on the market is obliged to independently monitor compliance with the requirements of the Tobacco Products Act.
If a provider determines that its products pose a health risk in accordance with Article 6 Paragraph 1 of the Tobacco Products Act, it must take measures to keep the damage to consumers as low as possible, for example by taking back or recalling the affected products.
Test purchases
Test purchases are a proven way to check whether the sales outlets are complying with the sales ban. There is now a legal basis for this that applies throughout Switzerland. The results of such test purchases can be used in administrative or criminal proceedings.
Commitment of the Canton of Zurich
The canton of Zurich has long had regulations to protect against passive smoking, an age limit and advertising restrictions. With the new regulations, tobacco products and their enforcement will now be regulated uniformly across the country. The canton of Zurich has set up a specialist office dedicated to enforcement tasks. A corresponding enforcement regulation will soon be submitted for consultation.
