In May this year, the UK government implemented its version of the Tobacco Products Directive. These new laws, The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, have resulted in many changes to our industry, particularly for retailers.
To help ensure retailers understand what the regulations involve for retailers, we've prepared this handy guide.
KEY DATES
From 20 May 2016
- All new products must be tested.
From 20 November 2016
- All products a retailer wishes to sell after 20 May 2017 must be tested.
From 20 May 2017
- All products sold must be tested.
WHAT IS REGULATED?
- Tanks
- Kits
- E-liquid
- DIY nicotine base
- Mods on their own are not regulated, though pre-packed kits containing a tank are.
- 0mg liquid (nicotine-free) is not regulated.
PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS
- E-liquid must be sold in bottles no greater than 10ml in volume.
- Tanks (including RTAs) limited to a maximum capacity of 2ml.
- 20mg/ml maximum nicotine strength.
- Glass dropper bottles are banned.
PRODUCT NOTIFICATIONS
Retailers themselves do not have to ‘notify’ the products they sell unless they import or re-brand their products. Retailers must, however, check that their domestic supplier has notified their products (provided of course the relevant deadline has been passed).
If a retailer purchases and sells a non-compliant or un-notified product, they will, unfortunately, be in breach of the regulations.
TESTING OVERVIEW
- Toxicology report to ensure that e-liquid ingredients are safe.
- Emissions testing to ensure that there are no harmful compounds present in the vapour emitted.
- Dosage testing to ensure that users get a consistent ‘dose’ of nicotine when using the product.