Swiss Lab Finds Banned Substances in Some Disposable Vapes, 7 Products Banned from Sale

Testing by the Basel cantonal laboratory in Switzerland found that some disposable e-cigarettes contained banned lead solder or substances that may threaten reproductive health, and seven vape products have been banned from sale.

According to a December 19 report by the media outlet 20 Minuten, a laboratory in Basel tested 32 disposable e-cigarettes and found that some products contained prohibited lead solder or ingredients that may pose risks to reproductive health.

The Basel cantonal laboratory tested 32 disposable e-cigarettes under food and chemical regulations, including 29 nicotine-containing disposable e-cigarettes. Every product had at least one compliance issue, and seven products were even issued sales bans.

The laboratory examined nicotine content, e-liquid volume, toxic and prohibited ingredients, and the heavy metal content in solder tin.

The test results were alarming: all 32 products had at least one non-compliance issue, with a total of 213 violations across 18 different categories. Two products exceeded the maximum permitted nicotine content, two contained prohibited lead solder, and three others contained substances that may damage the reproductive system.

Among them, one product contained a high concentration of salicylic acid, while two others contained methyl salicylate. Both substances are considered toxic. Sales of the above-mentioned e-cigarettes were immediately banned.

The laboratory believes that many importers have not seriously verified whether their products comply with European legal requirements. Therefore, the Basel cantonal laboratory warned importers to carry out self-inspections and also called on manufacturers to stop using harmful substances.