Our comprehensive guide tells you all you need to know about the TPD vape regulations.
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) regulates the vaping industry and ensures that the products we sell are safe and made to the highest quality.
But, what does the TPD vape law mean for vapers? How does TPD affect the vape products you buy? When did the TPD vape restrictions come into effect? Read on to find out the answers to these questions, and more.
What is the Tobacco Products Directive TBD vape law?
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) or European Tobacco Products Directive (EUTPD) (2014/40/EU) is a directive of the European Union which legislates the sale and merchandising of tobacco and tobacco related products across the EU.
The TPD law aims to ensure a high level of health protection for European citizens. The Directive entered into law on 19th May 2014 and became applicable for all EU Member States on 20th May 2016.
This Directive covers the manufacture, presentation, and sale of all tobacco related products including cigarettes, roll your own tobacco, and electronic cigarettes.
In order to address this situation, the European Union and its Member States have taken various tobacco control measures in the form of legislation, recommendations and information campaigns.
In summary, the policies for the Tobacco Products Directive cover the regulation of tobacco products on the EU market (e.g. packaging, labelling, and ingredients), advertising restrictions for tobacco products, the creation of smoke-free environments, tax measures and activities against illegal trade, and acquiring anti-smoking campaigns.
With specific regard to e-cigarettes, the TPD vape law introduced new rules which ensure:
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minimum standards for safety and quality
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that information is provided to consumers about nicotine containing products
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that protections are put into place to prevent children from starting to use the products
What are the new TPD vape rules?
As of May 2017, any nicotine containing product relating to e-cigarettes/vaping must:
Restrict the maximum volume of e-liquid in a single container to 10ml
Restrict the capacity of tanks to no more than 2ml
Be child resistant and tamper evident
Not contain caffeine, taurine or colourings
Be submitted to the MHRA before they can be sold
Include relevant warnings and information
When did the TPD law take effect?
Between the directive coming into force in May 2016, and the cut-off date of May 2017, retailers had to have sold off any stocks of products that did not comply with TPD vape standards.
As of May 2017, you should not be able to purchase non-compliant products within the EU. For this reason, you may have seen certain brands that you were familiar with disappear from the shelves. If this is the case for you, chances are the manufacturer was not able to comply with the new requirements in time.
What has Vape Town done to comply with the TPD vape rules?
Since the directive came into action, we have been working to ensure that every product we stock is compliant by the deadline.
For products that we produce ourselves in the UK, such as the popular JUJU and Criminal ranges of e-liquids, this involved submitting the products for testing and certification.
We are pleased to say that each flavour passed with flying colours. This is due to the fact that our e-liquids only contain the highest grade ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
- Pharmaceutical grade nicotine
- De-ionised water
- Natural and artificial flavourings
They are also Diacetyl and Acetyl Propionyl free.
What has changed at Vape Town since the TPD vape restrictions?
The changes to the law affect the products that we can sell and all non-compliant products have been removed from our shelves.
You will notice that 30ml bottles of e-liquid have been replaced by 10ml bottles. We have re-packaged our key ranges to ensure you still get the same great deals.
You may also note that regular tank sizes have reduced to a maximum 2ml capacity.
For new and less experienced vapers, the chances are you won't notice the difference. However, for advanced vapers, sub-ohm vapers, and high usage vapers, you can now purchase tank extensions to prevent increased top ups.
We will continue to stock as wide a range of products as possible to continue catering for all levels of vapers; but you can be confident that everything we sell will be fully compliant with all of the new quality and safety regulations.
Should you have any questions about TPD vape restrictions, or anything else relating to vaping, we’re always happy to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries.