Smoking prevention in Switzerland: 60 years of gradual progress (1964–2024)

The evolution of Swiss legislation on tobacco control has been marked by several key milestones: the ban on television advertising in 1964, the introduction of health warnings on packets in 1980, and the entry into force of the Tobacco Ordinance in 1995.

Since the 2000s, cantonal laws have played a pioneering role. The Federal Law on Protection against Passive Smoking came into force in 2010, followed by the Law on Tobacco Products in 2024. Progress has been modest and slow, hampered by a lack of political will and the influence of the tobacco industry. Success factors include scientific data, the denormalisation of tobacco, public pressure and coalitions. These lessons can help to regulate the commercial determinants of health.

Lebon, L., et al. Prévention du tabagisme en Suisse : 60 ans de progrès graduels (1964-2024). Rev Med Suisse. 2025; 21 (925): 1368–1373.