All samples are defective: Basel-Stadt bans several e-cigarettes

The Basel-City cantonal laboratory examined the nicotine content, the volume of the liquid and the presence of toxic, effectively banned ingredients in the 32 e-cigarettes, ‘vapes’ and ‘puff bars’ tested. The sobering conclusion: Not one of the products met all requirementsas the BZ Bazel writes.

In total, the cantonal laboratory identified 213 non-conformities with 18 different reasons. The defects in seven products were so serious that further sales were prohibited. In two cases the product exceeded the maximum permitted nicotine content and in two samples the cantonal laboratory discovered lead-containing solder – this is prohibited. Three samples also contained ingredients that are toxic to reproduction, i.e. substances that endanger fertility.

The head of the study, Franz Dussy, told the SRF: “Our results clearly show that the legally required self-monitoring of the importers and also of the points of sale is far too little noticed.”

The cantonal laboratory did not mention the banned vapes.

Many importers also did not pay the disposal contributions for e-cigarettes with batteries. You have been asked to pay the compensation owed retroactively over the past five years.

The Cantonal Laboratory now generally calls on importers to exercise their duty of self-control and check the products they sell. Many of them did not clarify before import whether the product in question complied with local legislation. In the meantime, producers must ensure that they do not use carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic or reproductively toxic substances, for example as flavorings or salt formers.

As the Ministry of Health reports, market controls will continue to take place in the future.

(rbu)