As you may have recently seen in the news, the e-cigarette industry is now regulated in the UK and across the EU. The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is an updated EU directive aimed at promoting product safety and ensuring consumers are aware that they are purchasing products containing nicotine. Additionally, these regulations are in place to ensure that only people over 18 are purchasing and using e-cigarettes and related products. However, to some, this may seem more like a new-age prohibition.
Here's how it will affect you and how the products available for sale in the UK will change between now and May 20th, 2017
Products Produced or Imported Before November 19th, 2016
- Liquids:
- No limitations
- Available for sale until May 19th
- Tanks:
- No limitations
- Available for sale until May 19th
- Nicotine Content:
- No limitations
- Available for sale until May 19th
- Packaging:
- No limitations
- Available for sale until May 19th
Products Produced or Imported After November 20th, 2016
- Liquids:
- Maximum bottle size: 10ml
- Child-proof bottles
- Unbreakable bottles
- Tanks:
- Maximum tank size: 2ml
- Nicotine Content:
- Maximum nicotine content: 20mg/ml
- Packaging:
- Must comply with regulations and include appropriate warning language
Products Available for Sale After May 20th, 2017
- Liquids:
- Maximum bottle size: 10ml
- Child-proof bottles
- Unbreakable bottles
- Tanks:
- Maximum tank size: 2ml
- Nicotine Content:
- Maximum nicotine content: 20mg/ml
- Packaging:
- Must comply with regulations and include appropriate warning language
So, what does this mean?
- Limited Product Variety: There may be fewer e-liquid flavors and devices available in the market, as smaller companies may not be able to meet or comply with the strict regulations.
- Changes in E-Cigarette Devices: E-cigarette devices will undergo changes in branding appearance. They will be sold as whole units with limited ability to customize and will include standardized refill mechanisms to promote safety.
- Reduced Tank Capacity: All cartridges, pod systems, and tanks will be limited to a 2ml capacity of e-liquid.
- Overseas Sales: Sales overseas will be regulated throughout Europe but not banned. Please ensure that you check with your local customs if you are planning to make a purchase from us.
However, the EU reserves the right to ban e-cigarettes if three member states deem the products to be harmful. This could potentially make them illegal.