Laser pointers

In recent years, more and more dangerous laser pointers have come into circulation, which can lead to eye and skin damage. Lasers that are not approved in Europe and Switzerland are offered particularly via the Internet.

Legal frame

The Ordinance on the Federal Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation and Acoustic Stimulation (O-LRNIS), which came into force on 1 June 2019, regulates, among other things, the use of laser pointers. From 1 June 2021, only Class 1 laser pointers will be permitted, which may only be used indoors and for pointing purposes. This means that the import, transit, offering, delivery and possession of laser pointers in classes 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4 are prohibited.

Safe disposal

To dispose of a prohibited laser pointer, you can find your nearest collection point by visiting: Recycling-Map.ch.

Fact sheet

• Ban on laser pointers

  

  Prohibited laser pointers pose a health risk and must be handled correctly. The ban aims to protect the public from dangerous radiation. This leaflet explains what is prohibited, how to dispose of a laser pointer correctly and where to find further information.

  • Flyer: Ban on laser pointers

    PDF358.97 kB27 February 2019

• Laserpointer

  

  A laser pointer is a laser device that allows a person to manually project dots, lines, or other shaped optical patterns.

  • Fact sheet - Laser pointers

    PDF562.26 kB4 November 2025

• Laser pointer or not?

  

  In recent years, numerous non-compliant laser pointers have appeared on the market, mainly sold online, which can cause serious damage to the eyes and skin. In Switzerland, the possession, import and use of dangerous laser pointers is prohibited. The information sheet explains which devices are affected by the ban and how to recognise them.

  • Factsheet: Laser pointer or not?

    PDF379.07 kB6 December 2024