TPD Compliance

Vaping Vogue, as a responsible retailer, is proud to ensure that all of our vaping products are wholly TPD compliant, meeting the high standards set by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). Introduced by the European Union and in the UK by The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, or TRPR, compliance with TPD in the UK is an absolute requirement for the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. 

Below is an all-rounded outline of what TPD compliance entails and how it affects the vaper and manufacturers in equal measure. 

What is TPD?

The Tobacco Products Directive, TPD is a legislation aimed at regulating the production, presentation, and sales of tobacco products which comprise e-cigarettes and e-liquids. It aims to allow for an increase in consumer safety so that the selling of vaping products does not pose any danger to public health. 

Though e-cigarettes contain no tobacco by any definition, much of the nicotine they contain is tobacco plant extract and therefore falls inside the scope of TPD regulation. The requirements applied to e-liquids that do contain nicotine mean that a nicotine-content-only product will be required to meet TPD requirements. This is to ensure both the safety of the consumer and that of the whole market.

Main TPD Regimes

TPD regulations cover all aspects of the vaping product line from its manufacturing to the marketing of the respective product. TPD regulations entail the following:

E-Liquid Nicotine Concentration 

Nicotine concentration levels for e-liquids have set a maximum allowable level at 20 mg/ml, which calls for safe limits to be consumed.

E-Liquid Bottle Size

Nicotine-containing e-liquids can only be purchased in bottles smaller than 10 ml, although larger bottles, which are more commonly called short fills, do exist, but they contain no nicotine and the user adds a separate nicotine shot to the mix themselves.

Container Size

E-liquids used in any type of e-cigarette tank, especially in pod systems and throwaways, should only have a maximum capacity of 2 ml. In this way, a minimum input will be given concerning the amount of nicotine utilised in one sitting.

Packaging Requirements

All products must carry explicit warnings that nicotine is an addictive stimulant and list all ingredients, describing in detail the components of the e-liquid and what health hazards they may pose through its use. The products should not contain ingredients, such as caffeine or taurine, which may cause further health issues.

Prohibited Additives

E-liquids should not contain any stimulant booster agents like taurine or caffeine, so these can't entice the younger people to possibly become their customers, or even be perceived as some sort of stimulant.

Product Submission

A manufacturer is supposed to provide the MHRA with information regarding the product before they are sold in the UK market. This includes details on the chemical composition, emissions, and the kind of risks the product may pose to the consumer. Only once it has passed through the MHRA is it permissible to sell such products to the public.

Advert

Vaping products are pretty strictly regulated when it comes to advertising. The TPD limits where and how e-cigarettes can be advertised to ensure that children, among others, are not enticed into trying them. Some forms of media advertising are also prohibited and claims that vaping is safer than smoking are banned unless proven safe.

TPD Compliance For Vapers and Retailers

If you're a vaper or retailer, the ordinary experiences in vaping are impacted by TPD compliance in lots of ways:

• Limited E-Liquid Strength: The ban on nicotine strength helps ensure a better intake level of nicotine to the vaper's system.
• Smaller Tank Sizes: The prohibition of tank size will force users to have their devices filled more frequently than they are accustomed to, but it also regulates nicotine intake.
• Nicotine-Free Short Fills: Short fills are the best for vapers who prefer to smoke big bottles; they fit in a convenient space. They have no nicotine but have room to add a nicotine shot, hence providing a flexible option of adjustment that falls within the set legal limits.

Why Does TPD Compliance Matter?

Although the TPD was initially thought to limit customers' options for vapers, the overall effect of the regulation has been a better safety record and product development in the vaping world. Testing products for safety, for instance, will prevent consumers from exposing themselves to harmful substances and chemicals within the products. Child-proof packaging also helps prevent accidental ingestion of the substance by the young, especially children.

The tests required by MHRA have also been instrumental in protecting consumers within the UK against issues like EVALI which are increasingly a major issue in other regions such as the United States.

Future TPD Regulations Post-Brexit

Since the UK voted out of the EU, vaping products in the UK are still regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) given that, at present, this is consistent with the TPD, although the UK government claims it may have to alter the laws to make them a better fit for the UK market in the future. 

This can lead to additional ease of the rules for the regulated steps for the vaping products, such as further easing of tank size and volume of e-liquid bottles.

Although the regulations would evolve, still business entities as well as consumers must remain alert and adhere to the requirements governed by the present regulations. All revisions are highly likely to balance consumer safety with market expansion.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with TPD regulations can have serious penalties - fines or, even worse, imprisonment. Yet, normally, once companies rectify their improvement condition quickly, they will not suffer harsh punishment. 

It is thus important that the manufacturers and retailers maintain proper and healthy relationships with the MHRA and monitor ensuring their products are always compliant with TPD standards.

How Vaping Vogue Ensures Compliance

In line with TPD, we at Vaping Vogue have taken this measure. This means all the e-liquids and devices are strictly tested and pass under MHRA guidelines. Whether it's purchasing e-liquids or vape kits, our products, all of which conform to the highest standards in terms of quality and safety, are here for your peace of mind.

If you have some questions about TPD compliance or the vape products that we have available on our website, our customer support team is there to help. 

You can contact us for more information or just take a look through our TPD-compliant products.