Ban on laser pointers in Switzerland

On 1 June 2019, Switzerland introduced a ban on the import, possession and use of laser pointers on Swiss soil, with the exception of Class 1 laser pointers, which are authorised for use in making presentations.

Articles 22 and 23 of the Ordinance to the Swiss Federal Act on Protection against the Risks associated with Non-Ionising Radiation and with Sound (O-NIRSA) place a ban on all laser pointers belonging to Classes 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4, as well as on laser pointers that are not classed or are incorrectly labelled.

All CERN contributors who use laser pointers are requested to comply immediately with this legislation. Those who fail to do so risk criminal prosecution under Swiss law.