What is TPD?

 

TPD refers to the Tobacco Products Directive. Initially established to govern the tobacco industry, this directive has since expanded its scope to include the regulation of electronic cigarettes. This expansion signifies a move towards greater oversight and standardization within the vaping industry, aligning it with the broader regulatory framework applied to tobacco products.

 

To Protect Children from Nicotine Products: A major concern addressed by the TPD is the safeguarding of children from exposure to and use of nicotine products. This involves implementing measures to prevent underage access to such products

  
To Ensure Quality and Safety Standards: The directive enforces standards regarding the quality and safety of e-liquids and vaping devices. This ensures that all products on the market meet a certain threshold for consumer safety.

 
To Provide Accurate Information and Packaging: TPD mandates that manufacturers and retailers offer appropriate packaging and detailed information about their products. This includes clear labelling and health warnings, which help consumers, make informed choices.

 

While some argue that TPD has restricted variety and added extra hurdles, it's crucial to understand that these regulations have significantly heightened the safety standards in the vaping community. Adhering to TPD guidelines helps protect your health and safety. Therefore, it's recommended to purchase vaping products only from reputable businesses that comply with TPD regulations. Such businesses are more likely to prioritize the safety and quality of their products, as opposed to sellers who disregard legal standards, potentially compromising both product quality and consumer safety.

 

Limit on E-Liquid Size: TPD restricts the maximum size of any e-liquid bottle containing nicotine to 10ml. Selling larger bottles with nicotine is illegal under TPD compliance. However, nicotine-free e-liquids can be sold in any size. This led to the introduction of 'shortfill' e-liquids, where a typically 120ml bottle comes with 100ml of e-liquid, allowing you to add nicotine shots to reach the desired strength.
 

Limit on Nicotine Strength: There's also a cap on the nicotine levels in e-liquids. The highest strength available in TPD-compliant stores is 2% or 20mg/ml. This limitation has particularly impacted nic salt e-liquids. However, advancements in vaping technology, such as efficient pod kits, help extract maximum nicotine from e-liquids for a satisfying experience.

 
Limit on Pods & Tanks: TPD imposes a 2ml limit on all replacement pods and tanks. This is especially noticeable for cloud chasers, as the smaller tank size means more frequent refills are needed. Note that purchasing larger pods and tanks from non-compliant stores might indicate a disregard for legal standards and product quality.

 
Additional Packaging: You may have observed extra packaging for vaping supplies post-TPD. E-liquids now require warning labels, often resulting in 10ml e-liquids being packaged in boxes to accommodate the necessary warning information.

 

It's important to understand that purchasing from stores that comply with TPD regulations ensures that you're getting products that meet legal safety and quality standards. Stores that sell non-compliant items may not only be breaking the law but could also be less concerned about the quality and health implications of their products. Often, products that do not adhere to TPD regulations are sourced from the black-market, which poses risks to consumer safety.

 

To ensure that your vaping products are compliant with the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), it's important to understand and follow the specific guidelines set for both pods/tanks and e-liquids.

 

Maximum Capacity: The e-liquid capacity of the pod or tank should not exceed 2ml.

 
Registration and ECID: The product must have an European Community Identification Number (ECID) and be registered on the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) website.

 
Warning Labels: The product should include a warning label stating, "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance." If the product is used with nicotine-free e-liquids, a secondary warning from Trading Standards should correct this statement.

 
Emissions Testing: For atomizers, they should have undergone emissions testing. You can verify this by searching for the atomizer on the MHRA website.

 

Bottle Size: If the e-liquid contains nicotine, it must be in a bottle no larger than 10ml.

 
Warning Information: The product must come with a warning leaflet or printed information.

 
Registration and ECID: Similar to pods/tanks, the e-liquid must be registered on the MHRA website and have an ECID.

 
Appropriate Labelling: The e-liquid should have a label stating, "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance."

 

If any of your vaping products do not adhere to these guidelines, it's likely that the seller is violating the law. Additionally, purchasing non-compliant products can pose risks not just to your device but also to your health. It's essential to only buy from reputable retailers who ensure TPD compliance across their product range.

 

This approach guarantees that you are using products that meet the safety and quality standards mandated by the TPD. By prioritizing compliance, you contribute to a safer vaping community and protect yourself from potential harm associated with non-compliant products.

 

In summary, while TPD regulations may seem restrictive in some aspects, they are in place to ensure the safety and quality of vaping products. As a customer, it's crucial to buy from reputable sources that adhere to these regulations. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also guarantees that you are using products that are held to a high standard of safety and quality. Remember, these regulations are designed to protect consumers like you within the vaping community.