Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)

The Tobacco Products Directive entered into force on 19 May 2014 and became applicable in EU countries on 20 May 2016. The Directive lays down rules governing the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products. The regulations significantly impacted the vaping industry in the UK and the EU. Here’s a breakdown of how the TPD affects vapers’ experiences:

1. Product Standards: The TPD mandates certain standards for vaping products, including child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging for e-liquids and vaping devices. This helps reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by children and ensures product safety.
2. Notification Requirements: Manufacturers must notify regulatory bodies of the ingredients in e-liquids, components in devices, and refilling mechanisms. This aims to provide transparency and accountability in the vaping industry.
3. Leakage Prevention: Vaping devices must be designed to prevent breakage and leakage, and refilling should be possible without leakage. These measures enhance user safety and prevent potential hazards associated with leaks.
4. Nicotine Dose Consistency: Devices must deliver a consistent dose of nicotine per puff, ensuring a more predictable vaping experience for users.
5. Capacity Limits: Tanks, pods, and cartridges are limited to a maximum capacity of 2ml to prevent excessive nicotine consumption and promote responsible vaping habits.
6. E-liquid Packaging: E-liquids containing nicotine must be sold in volumes of 10ml or less, with nicotine strengths not exceeding 20mg/ml. This regulation aims to control nicotine intake and prevent overconsumption.

Adaptations and Innovations

Whilst the TPD initially raised concerns about potential limitations on flavour availability and product diversity, many of these fears did not materialise. Manufacturers adapted to the regulations (particularly the rules regarding the 10ml volume restriction and 20mg/ml nicotine limit) by introducing innovations such as short fills, which allow users to add nicotine to nicotine-free e-liquids themselves.

Additionally, improvements in hardware design were made to comply with leakage prevention requirements, and child-proof packaging has enhanced product safety. The testing and reporting of e-liquid ingredients mandated by the TPD have also helped ensure consumer safety and prevent incidents such as E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), which has been a concern in other countries.

Tobacco Products Directive and Brexit…

Regarding Brexit, the UK has implemented the TPD regulations through the Tobacco & Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR). With the UK’s departure from the EU, there is potential for regulatory changes in the future. The government has expressed intentions to review vaping regulations, with a focus on promoting innovation and recognising vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. Changes to regulations, such as removing restrictions on tank size, could be considered to improve the vaping experience for consumers in the UK.

For more information regarding E-cigarettes and Vaping Products, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-cigarettes-regulations-for-consumer-products.