TPD and the consumer: what it means for you

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) was introduced by the UK government in May 2016. This EU legislation will regulate the new movement of vaping and its place in the tobacco industry, including e-liquid and hardware which will need to be ‘TPD Compliant’ by the 20^th May 2017; however, our customers and trade partners will start to see changes before then.

The most notable changes you’ll see will be

• A change in e-liquid size. E-liquid can only be sold in 10ml sizing.
• Hazard/precautionary statement on packaging: ‘This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance’
• Full ingredients listings on packaging
• Increased health warnings on packaging
• Maximum 2ml capacity for all clearomizers/tanks

Nicotine free e-liquid will come in plain packaging, much like the designs our customers are used to seeing; however, those that contain nicotine, or even traces will have the warning sign. 30% of the packaging for e-liquid and hardware will be covered with the message: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”.

Although none of our hardware comes with nicotine as part of the set-up (only e-liquid), it is expected that consumers will fill tanks with nicotine liquid, and thus this warning is required.

Maximum capacity of clearomizers and tanks

Tanks ranging from 6ml to 3ml will disappear as new TPD regulations come into play. New tanks will only go up to a fill of 2ml, which means the new TPD compliant 10ml bottles could go that little bit further. Variable voltage batteries will also be heavily regulated, with more information coming in May 2017.

Although the above can look quite daunting, customers can rest assured knowing that Vapouriz e-liquids have been created and housed in the UK since the company began trading in 2011. We only use the very best ingredients in our e-liquid, and while a few have been discontinued, many have gone through TPD with the aim of continuing and enhancing the vape experience.

Nicotine free e-liquid will come in plain packaging, much like the designs our customers are used to seeing; however, those that contain nicotine, or even traces will have the warning sign. 30% of the packaging for e-liquid and hardware will be covered with the message: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”. These products are strictly for over 18’s, and batch numbers and expiry dates will be clearly visible on the bottles. Boxes and labels must also include the brand, liquid name, size, nicotine content per dose, address and contact details, 5mm artwork bleed and on the box an area for the barcode.

Although none of our hardware comes with nicotine as part of the set-up (only e-liquid), it is expected that consumers will fill tanks with nicotine liquid, and thus this warning is necessary.

Maximum capacity of clearomizers and tanks

Tanks ranging from 6ml to 3ml will disappear as new TPD regulations come into play. New tanks will only go up to a fill of 2ml, which means the new TPD compliant 10ml bottles could go that little bit further. Variable voltage batteries will also be heavily regulated, with more information coming in May 2017.

Restrictions

Under the new rules there are also restrictions about what the design cannot refer to. You can't refer to taste, smell or other additives (except flavourings), and the design cannot resemble food or cosmetic products.

Packaging must also refrain from any suggestion that the e-liquid has any health or lifestyle benefits, such as it has a vitalizing, energizing, healing, rejuvenating or natural or organic properties. It also cannot suggest it is less harmful than other electronic cigarettes or refill containers.