Law changes concerning E-Cigarettes & E-Liquids
Vaping (smoking e-cigarettes or e-liquids) is increasingly common as more and more smokers try to control or quit the habit of smoking. For 'Vapers' and those who sell vaping equipment, you need to be aware of pending changes to the law coming in to effect in the next few weeks.
The law governing the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids is being amended under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The change in the law comes in to play as of Monday May 20th.
The changes include the following:
- Before they can be sold, all e-cigarettes and e-liquids must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Certain additives such as the stimulants caffeine and taurine or colourings will be banned
- There will be a restriction on the strength of nicotine in an e-liquid not to exceed 20mg/ml, unless it can be shown that it is registered as a medicine
- There are changes to packaging. The packaging of e-liquids will need to be child-resistant and tamper evident. There are also new labelling requirements.
A breach of the new laws can result in a criminal prosecution and could result in a term of imprisonment of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine.
The law changes do not just affect shops selling e-cigarettes and e-liquids but affect anyone selling them online (such as eBay), on social media and even personal websites. Brewing e-liquids at home is common and trading standards will be keen to ensure that the change in law and the consequences for breach are understood by all. Trading standards have already identified that many online sellers are selling e-liquids in 100ml bottles with a nicotine strength over 20mg/ml. After the 20th May, these sellers will be breaking the law and many will not be aware they are doing so.
If you need any advice relating to e-cigarettes or e-liquids please contact David Wells on 01727 840900.