UK
As reported by The Independent, 2015 saw e-cigarettes hit the mainstream in the UK as Britons took up vaping in record numbers. It’s believed that 2.6 million adults in Britain currently use e-cigarettes and the figure is rising.
Yet, as their popularity increases, so too have calls for greater regulation.
New rules from the EU that come into force from May 20, 2016 are set to make some big changes to how UK residents will vape. From this date, the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive will be updated so that e-cigarettes are classified as a “tobacco related product”.
New rules will include:
Smaller refill containers
There are currently no limitations on the size of refill containers, however a new maximum size of 10ml will be enforced. This means users will no longer be able to bulk buy to save money; resulting in a possible overall price increase.
Weakened potency
Currently the maximum strength permitted is 24 mg, this will drop to 20 mg.
Smaller tanks and cartridges
Cartridges will be reduced to 2ml.
Child-proofing
Due to the sudden popularity of vaping, there have been concerns that they could become popular with school children as smoking begins to appear ‘cool’ again. Under new EU regulation, all e-cigs and related packaging must be ‘child proof’.
Greater government scrutiny
Manufacturers in the industry will be asked to submit to the government open, detailed and transparent information about what the products they sell do and contain.
Opens up the possibility of banning e-cigs altogether
If at least three EU member states express a desire to ban e-cigarettes, it will be possible to initiate processes towards banning them.