The old rules on vaping will go up in smoke

GET READY FOR STRICTER REGULATION OF E-LIQUIDS AND E-CIGS

Reporter NEW rules on the sale of e-cigarettes are coming into force next month – and if you’re a vaper you will need to be aware of the changes.

The regulations take effect on Saturday, May 20, and introduce a number of strict rules about the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids in shops and online.

So what exactly are the changes? Here’s a breakdown of the new regulations.

E-cigarettes and vapes are going to be strictly regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. A series of new rules are being brought in and they will take effect from May 20. The measures include the following: All e-cigarettes and e-liquids must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency before they can be sold; Refillable tanks for e-cigarettes must be no bigger than 2ml capacity; E-liquids cannot be sold in quantities greater than 10ml; Unless registered as a medicine, the strength of nicotine in an e-liquid must not exceed 20mg/ml;

The packaging of e-liquids must be child-resistant and tamper-resistant.

Yes. The idea is to give people more details about exactly what they are smoking. The labelling must give clearer definition of what’s inside the vape liquid.

The law states that “toxicological data regarding the product’s ingredients” and “their effects on the health of consumers when inhaled and taking into account, amongst other things, any addictive effect” is to be declared.

The regulations say certain additives will be banned. That means caffeine, taurine and colourings are out. Only nicotine will now be allowed.

These changes apply to anyone who makes or sells e-cigarettes and e-liquids, whether online or offline.

Make sure the products are being sold in the right containers and have clear labelling. For example, if you have been getting e-liquids in 100ml bottles with a nicotine strength over 20mg/ml, this will be illegal after May 20 unless it is registered as a medicine. They could face up to two years’ jail and/or an unlimited fine.