If you’re a vaper in the UK or planning to start vaping, it’s essential to know about the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), which enforces the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in the UK. These regulations ensure that vaping products meet safety and quality standards, protecting consumers while keeping the vaping market well-regulated. In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of these regulations and what they mean for vapers.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, you can refer to the official sources:
- Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 – UK Government
- MHRA E-cigarettes: Regulations for Consumer Products
What is TRPR/TPD?
The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) in the UK implement the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which came into effect in 2016. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that vaping products (e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related items) are safe, standardized, and do not appeal disproportionately to young people.
While the UK is no longer part of the EU, the TRPR regulations still apply and are regularly reviewed to ensure vaping remains a viable alternative to smoking without posing unnecessary risks to public health. For more information on the purpose of these regulations, check out Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) – Vaping and Regulation.
Key Regulations Under TRPR/TPD
Let’s take a closer look at the most important aspects of TRPR/TPD that impact vapers:
1. E-Liquid Nicotine Strength
- Maximum nicotine concentration: Under TRPR, the maximum allowed nicotine concentration in e-liquids is 20mg/ml (or 2%).
- This limit helps ensure that e-liquids aren't too strong, making vaping safer for users, especially those who may be transitioning from smoking.
2. E-Liquid Bottles
- Maximum bottle size: E-liquids containing nicotine can only be sold in 10ml bottles.
- This regulation aims to prevent the overconsumption of nicotine by limiting the amount available in one bottle.
3. E-Cigarette Tanks and Pods
- Maximum tank capacity: Refillable tanks and disposable pods are restricted to a 2ml maximum capacity.
- This reduces the potential for excessive vaping in one session, aligning with public health goals.
4. Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident Packaging
- All e-liquids containing nicotine must come in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, similar to how other hazardous substances (like cleaning products) are packaged.
- This helps prevent accidental ingestion by children and ensures that consumers are aware if the product has been tampered with.
5. Advertising Restrictions
- Under TRPR/TPD, vaping products cannot be advertised in a way that might appeal to non-smokers or young people.
- Paid promotions on certain media (like television, radio, and printed publications) are banned. However, companies can still promote products through their own websites, informational blogs, and direct customer engagement.
6. Product Testing and Notification
- Manufacturers must submit a notification to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can sell any new vape product in the UK.
- Each product is tested to ensure it meets safety standards, and all ingredients must be disclosed, ensuring transparency for consumers.
- More information on this process can be found on the MHRA E-cigarettes: Regulations for Consumer Products page.
7. Health Warnings
- Vaping products must display health warnings on their packaging, similar to cigarette packaging.
- Labels should contain the statement: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”, ensuring that users are informed.
What Does This Mean for Vapers?
For most vapers, TRPR/TPD regulations ensure that the products they’re using are safe and meet consistent quality standards. Here’s how it affects you:
- E-Liquids: You’ll notice that most e-liquids sold in the UK come in small 10ml bottles, even if you're buying shortfills (larger bottles with space to add nicotine shots). This is why you often need to purchase separate nicotine shots to mix with larger bottles of e-liquid.
- Nicotine Strength: If you’re a heavy smoker switching to vaping, the 20mg/ml limit might feel lower than expected. However, nicotine salts (which absorb faster than freebase nicotine) provide a smoother and stronger hit even at the 20mg/ml limit.
- Device Size: Many vape devices come with tanks or pods that are limited to 2ml capacity, so you’ll need to refill more frequently. This is a direct result of the TRPR regulations.
- Product Safety: Thanks to the strict testing requirements, you can rest assured that any vape product purchased from a reputable retailer meets UK safety standards.
The Future of TRPR in the UK
Post-Brexit, the UK has the opportunity to review and amend vaping regulations. There’s ongoing debate within the vaping community about whether some restrictions, such as tank sizes or nicotine limits, should be adjusted to better serve the needs of vapers without compromising public health. For now, the TRPR remains in place, ensuring that the UK vaping market is well-regulated.
For regular updates on vaping regulations in the UK, check out Public Health England’s Vaping Evidence Reviews.
Conclusion: Why TRPR/TPD Matters
The TRPR/TPD regulations are in place to protect both consumers and the public. While these restrictions might seem inconvenient at times (like the 2ml tank limit or 10ml e-liquid bottles), they ensure that vaping remains a safer alternative to smoking, free from many of the harmful effects of tobacco. By staying informed about these rules, you can make better decisions about the vaping products you use.