What Does TPD Compliant Mean? | UK Guides

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TPD Compliant: What Does it Mean?

If you’ve ever shopped for vape gear or e-liquids in the UK or Europe, you’ve probably seen the term “TPD compliant”. But what does it actually mean?

Put simply, TPD compliant means the product meets the legal safety and packaging standards set out by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)—a set of EU rules that still apply in the UK post-Brexit through local legislation.

These rules apply to nicotine-containing vape products and are designed to protect consumers by ensuring products are safe, clearly labelled, and not marketed irresponsibly.

What Makes a Product TPD Compliant?

To be labelled as TPD compliant in the UK, a vape product must meet the following criteria:

1. Nicotine Limit

The e-liquid must contain no more than 20mg/ml (2%) of nicotine.

2. Bottle Size

Nicotine-containing e-liquids must be sold in bottles of 10ml or less. Larger “shortfill” bottles are only allowed if they contain 0mg nicotine.

3. Tank/Pod Capacity

Refillable tanks or disposable pods must hold no more than 2ml of liquid.

4. Packaging Requirements

Packaging must be:

  • Child-resistant and tamper-evident

  • Clearly labelled with nicotine content, health warnings, and ingredients

  • Free from misleading claims (like “safe” or “healthy”)

5. Product Notification

All products must be notified to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) at least 6 months before going on sale. This includes safety testing and ingredient disclosure.

Why Does TPD Compliance Matter?

For vapers, TPD compliance means:

  • You’re using products that have been tested and approved for sale

  • Labels are accurate and warnings are visible

  • You’re protected from overly strong or poorly manufactured liquids

  • There's a level of safety and quality control built into the process

It also means retailers and manufacturers are operating legally. Selling non-TPD-compliant products in the UK can lead to fines or bans.

How to Know if a Product Is TPD Compliant

Look for these signs:

  • 10ml bottles for nicotine e-liquid

  • 2ml pod or tank capacity

  • Labels that clearly show nicotine strength, a health warning, and a batch number

  • A notice like “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”

You can also check if a product has been registered with the MHRA on their published submissions list.

Are Disposable Vapes TPD Compliant?

Yes—if they’re sold legally in the UK, they should be. Disposable vapes must:

  • Contain no more than 2ml of e-liquid

  • Not exceed 20mg/ml nicotine

  • Be fully labelled with health warnings

Some illegal imports, especially high-puff count disposables, are not TPD compliant—and could be seized by Trading Standards.

Final Thought

“TPD compliant” means a vape product follows legal safety rules set out in UK law. For everyday users, it’s a sign the product has been tested, registered, and labelled correctly. It’s not just a technical term—it’s your reassurance that what you’re vaping meets a national standard.