Switzerland to Ban Tobacco Advertising in Print Media from 2026

Switzerland's Federal Council voted to support a ban on tobacco advertising in print media. Starting in 2026, tobacco or e-cigarette advertisements will not be allowed in print media.

According to a report from swissinfo on September 26, the Swiss Federal Council voted to support a ban on tobacco advertising in print media. Starting in 2026, tobacco or e-cigarette advertisements will not be allowed in print media. 

However, legislator Damian Müller stated that the right-wing parties in the Federal Council initially hoped to narrow the scope of several provisions, especially regarding newspaper advertisements, believing they were too extreme. In his view, there is nothing wrong with placing tobacco advertisements in publications subscribed to by adults. However, the centrist parties clearly prefer to strictly enforce the motion, prohibiting tobacco advertisements from reaching minors.

"There is no doubt that children can read newspapers subscribed to by their parents," said centrist party legislator Marianne Maret, opposing the idea, arguing that the advertisements target future consumers.

Every year, about 10,000 people die from smoking in Switzerland. According to government plans, starting in 2026, tobacco or e-cigarette advertisements will not be allowed in print media. However, publications aimed at overseas markets or professionals will be exceptions.

Swiss Federal Health Minister Alain Berset countered that Switzerland is the only European country that has not banned tobacco advertising in newspapers. If the demands of the right-wing parties in parliament were met, Switzerland would maintain the status quo, which does not align with the new legal standards already approved by voters.

As for other parts of the amendment, the right-wing parties did manage to narrow the scope of some provisions. Tobacco advertisements should be banned in places accessible to minors, but if effective measures are taken to prevent minors from accessing the advertisements, they can remain. Legislators believe that event sponsors are also subject to the same principles.

Ultimately, the Federal Council passed the amendment with 37 votes in favor and 3 against. The amendment has now been submitted to the National Council.

As early as 2021, the parliament supported another ban on tobacco advertising in public places. By mid-2024, tobacco advertisements will not be allowed in posters and film advertisements (the ban has already taken effect in some states), public buildings, sports venues, sponsorship of sports events, and international activities.