As the vaping industry has progressed, there has been a noticeable change in the way that the industry has been managed and regulated to ensure strict compliance standards are met.
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) are the two standards set by the EU and MHRA, respectively, to ensure safe ingredients and parts are used in e-liquids and vaping hardware. Furthering this, TPD ensures that all ingredients are labelled clearly on products; ensuring full clarity for consumers.
What is TPD?
Coming into effect in May 2016, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is the EU’s management of tobacco products, and the way they are manufactured, tested, packaged, marketed and sold to consumers.
As the name suggests, this directive does not apply to just vape products, with every tobacco product such as rolling tobacco and cigarettes.
What is TRPR
In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the “MHRA is the competent authority for the UKs notification scheme for nicotine containing Vaping products (E-cigarettes and refill containers), and are responsible for working with other regulatory bodies, to implement a number of provisions under Part 6 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR).” (“E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products”)
Simply put, the MHRA is responsible for setting the rules and regulations for vape brands who produce both vape kits, parts and e-liquids.
TPD Compliant Vape Products - What Sets Them Apart?
The MHRA sets strict rules that brands must follow to be TPD compliant:
- Vape pods and tanks must have a maximum capacity of no more than 2ml
- E-liquids containing nicotine cannot be sold in bottles larger than 10ml capacity
- E-liquids cannot contain a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml
- Nicotine-containing products and packaging must be tamper and child proof
- Certain ingredients including colourings, caffeine and taurine are banned from use in e-liquids
- Include new labelling requirements and warnings
- The MHRA must be notified of all e-cigarettes and e-liquids that are manufactured and these products must be published by the MHRA before they can be sold.
Overall, the standards set by both the EU and MHRA put the consumers safety front of mind, with key aims set to combat what is still an evolving industry:
- Update legislation for the control of tobacco, and implement a regulated framework for related products
- Reduce smoking, particularly in young people, by preventing tobacco products from using ingredients or presentation that encourage young people to take it up.
- Introducing an EU-wide tracking and tracing system for the legal supply chain.
- Establish a regulatory environment for vaping products and e-liquids to make sure they meet strict safety and marketing standards.
How We Support TPD & TRPR
At Gourmet E-Liquid, we only stock TPD compliant products, whether that be full starter kits, pod kits, replacement tanks or e-liquids or replacement pods and disposables. Our stocked e-liquids, from freebase, to nic salts, to shortfills are from TPD compliant brands who only use quality ingredients and communicate that on their packaging.
If you have any questions about TPD products, get in touch and we will be happy to help!