From the 20 May 2016, a new set of guidelines are coming into effect in Europe under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
The updated guidelines now extend to cover e-cigarettes and other nicotine vapour products and will introduce a series of regulations sellers and smokers in EU countries must comply with.
CHANGES FOR CONSUMERS
Ultimately, the changes from the TPD are mostly positive for consumers; the regulations will help bring about improved safety and protection against poor quality products that can be damaging to the industry as a whole.Improved product information and labelling will mean consumers are able to make fully informed and safe choices when choosing e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The changes consumers are likely to notice most are in bottle size and the discontinuation of products like glass dripper bottles.
In the end, it comes down to better quality control; more rigorous standards mean only high quality sellers will be able to exist in the marketplace - a change that's positive for everyone.
CHANGES FOR SELLERS
For sellers and e-liquid manufacturers, the TPD will bring about a series of changes to the way products are made, packaged, promoted and sold.Though the changes come into effect from 20th May 2016, a 12-month grace period means you are able to buy and sell non-compliant products up until May 20th 2017, meaning there is an adjustment period to get to grips with the new rules.
The regulations apply to manufacturers and importers who supply products through retail or internet sales in the UK and EU. Anyone who puts a name or trademark on a product and hold themselves to be the originator, provider or manufacturer. You'll be responsible for compliance for any products you make or sell.
While all nicotine containing liquids, electronic cigarette kits and clearomizers must meet required health standards and information submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, there will be no requirement for a special license to sell products.
In essence, though the changes will help bring safer regulation to the industry, it means the testing of e-liquids will become costlier and more time consuming; there will be a 6-month wait for launching any new product.
Now more than ever it makes sense to partner with a white label manufacturer like Vapour Labs to create e-liquids; we have the capacity and knowledge to be fully compliant, helping to prevent sellers from making costly mistakes.
THE MAIN CHANGES
Here's a quick overview of some of the most important changes from the Tobacco Products Directive:
Packaging - All e-liquids packaging - this includes boxes and labels - must now carry the health warning "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance". The warnings must appear on both front and back surfaces and cover at least 30% of its surface area. The text itself must be on a white background in black Helvetica type, centred, and in a font size that ensures the text occupies the largest possible proportion of the warning label space.
Quantity - Under the changes refill containers and e-liquid bottles must not exceed a quantity of 10ml.Prefilled atomizers will also be restricted in size; they must not exceed a 2ml capacity. Dripper bottles will be banned under the TPD changes.
Strength - The maximum nicotine content must not exceed 2% - or 20mg/ml.
Many Thanks to Colleen @ www.vapourlabs.co.uk for the interesting Article.
Many Thanks to Colleen @ www.vapourlabs.co.uk for the interesting Article.