EU disposable electronic cigarettes certifications

Tobacco Product Certification (TPD) is a regulatory act in the European Union for the sale of tobacco products, including e-liquids and E-Cigarette devices. As of May 20, 2016, TPD compliance is in full effect and manufacturers, retailers and e-cigarette users must adhere to the guidelines set out in Article 20 of the TPD.

What is the purpose of TPD?

There are three main reasons for the existence of TPD:

1. Protect children from nicotine products

2. Protect consumers by developing enforceable standards for the safety and quality of all e-liquids and vaping devices

3. Protect consumers by requiring manufacturers and retailers to provide useful information about packaging

How to apply for TPD?

1. Register with MHRA

All e-liquid and vaping devices must be notified and registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) 6 months prior to sale. This includes existing vape products prior to May 20, 2016.

2. Product compliance: e-liquid and e-cigarette devices

E-liquids containing nicotine require emissions testing and must be tested in an accredited laboratory

Vaping devices cannot contain more than 2ml of e-liquid

Each bottle of e-liquid containing nicotine is limited to 10ml per bottle

The nicotine concentration in e-liquid cannot exceed 20 mg/ml or 2.0% nicotine

Certain ingredients such as coloring, caffeine and taurine cannot be included. The EU's voting member states can also ban other ingredients deemed unsafe.

3. Packaging and Labeling

Child-resistant and tamper-proof refit bottle. Also, the bottle must be unbreakable.

The nozzle of the bottle must be at least 9mm long and must not deliver more than 20 drops per minute.

A warning leaflet must be included in the package

Specific warning labels must be affixed to the packaging

"This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance" needs to be stated on the packaging. It must also cover 30% of the package surface on the front and back.

4. Restricted Ads

Rules for promotions and advertising may vary from country to country in the European Union.

What's Not Allowed in Vape Liquid and Vape Device Promotions:

TV, on-demand TV and radio

furnishings

Newspaper/Magazine/Journal

Display Advertising on the Internet

Cold Calls: Marketing Emails and Text Messages

social media marketing

Allowed content for vaping oil and vaping device promotions:

trade publications trade magazines and trade shows

Factual information about the product, such as "how-to" videos, blogs, tweets, and unpaid reviews

flyer

poster

billboard

In the UK, non-nicotine liquids, non-nicotine disposable e-cigarettes, non-disposable devices that only take non-nicotine e-liquids can be advertised

What is SHORTFILL?

Shortfills are used to bypass TPD regulations by sending 0% nicotine e-liquids underfill so consumers can put their nicotine liquids or nicotine injections into e-juice bottles. It's also known as a "mix and vape" because vapers mix nicotine liquids into a short-fill e-juice bottle.

Don't all EU countries get TPD compliant e-juice bottles?

Although e-liquid may be TPD compliant, it may not be allowed in certain countries in the European Union. This is because the TPD is a protective regulation that sets minimum standards for each member of the EU. Individual members of the EU may need to meet more specific conditions to be compliant in their respective countries.