AUTUMN 2019 E-CIGARETTES AND E-LIQUIDS GET THE MEASURE OF VAPING PRODUCTS ‘E-liquids containing nicotine must have pictograms and warning statements depending on the concentration of nicotine’’ Credit: Gemma Fisher, Trading Standards compliance officer Image: iStock / HadelProductions Retailers must follow strict rules about the make-up and labelling of any e-cigarettes and e-liquids they sell The use of vaping products has grown significantly in recent years, with new stores and brands appearing on our high streets – but what are a retailer’s responsibilities if they sell vaping products? TSBN Autumn 2017 covered age restrictions connected to e-cigarette sales, but this article looks at the labelling and compositional requirements for products. New rules for nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and e-liquids were introduced by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) 2016, and retailers must take reasonable steps to ensure their products comply with its composition and labelling requirements. For e-liquids: The volume of one container must not exceed 10ml, while that of a disposable e-cigarette or cartridge must not exceed 2ml The capacity of a refillable tank must not exceed 2ml They must not contain more than 20mg/ ml of nicotine. E-cigarettes must: Deliver a dose of nicotine at consistent levels under normal conditions of use Not contain additives, such as caffeine and vitamins Have a child-resistant container. Manufacturers, importers and rebranders of e-liquids and e-cigarettes must notify the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of any products they sell. Numerous labelling requirements for e-cigarettes and e-liquids must also be displayed on the container or in an enclosed leaflet (see panel, ‘Labelling requirements’). From December 2018, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations 2008 introduced changes to the classification of e-liquid products containing nicotine, with regard to the acute toxicity of mixtures, as well as packaging. E-liquids containing nicotine must have pictograms and warning statements depending on the concentration of nicotine. Although vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know the risks of long-term use, it is considered less harmful than smoking and should be dealt with in the workplace as its own issue. Have a clear policy and follow Public Health England’s recommended guidance on vaping and the use of e-cigarettes within the workplace. For more information on classification, labelling and packaging, see guidance from the UK government and the European Chemicals Agency. l l l l l l Labelling requirements Containers for e-cigarettes and e-liquids – or an enclosed leaflet – must display certain information, including: A batch number, contact details of the producer (and, if not in the EU, a contact person within a member state) A list of all ingredients Warnings for specific groups, such as pregnant women; possible adverse effects, indications and addictiveness; and toxicity must also be listed A recommendation to keep the product out of the reach of children and a health warning stating: ‘This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance’ An indication of the nicotine content of the product and the delivery purpose. l l l l l For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service GET THE MEASURE OF VAPING PRODUCTS ‘E-liquids containing nicotine must have pictograms and warning statements depending on the concentration of nicotine’’ AUTUMN 2019 E-CIGARETTES AND E-LIQUIDS Credit: Gemma Fisher, Trading Standards compliance officer Image: iStock / HadelProductions Retailers must follow strict rules about the make-up and labelling of any e-cigarettes and e-liquids they sell The use of vaping products has grown significantly in recent years, with new stores and brands appearing on our high streets – but what are a retailer’s responsibilities if you sell vaping products? TSBN Autumn 2017 covered age restrictions connected to e-cigarette sales, but this article looks at the labelling and compositional requirements for products. New rules for nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and e-liquids were introduced by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) 2016, and retailers must take reasonable steps to ensure their products comply with its composition and labelling requirements. For e-liquids: The volume of one container must not exceed 10ml, while that of a disposable e-cigarette or cartridge must not exceed 2ml The capacity of a refillable tank must not exceed 2ml They must not contain more than 20mg/ ml of nicotine. E-cigarettes must: Deliver a dose of nicotine at consistent levels under normal conditions of use Not contain additives, such as caffeine and vitamins Have a child-resistant container. Manufacturers, importers and rebranders of e-liquids and e-cigarettes must notify the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of any products they sell. Numerous labelling requirements for e-cigarettes and e-liquids must also be displayed on the container or in an enclosed leaflet (see panel, ‘Labelling requirements’). From December 2018, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations 2008 introduced changes to the classification of e-liquid products containing nicotine, with regard to the acute toxicity of mixtures, as well as packaging. E-liquids containing nicotine must have pictograms and warning statements depending on the concentration of nicotine. Although vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know the risks of long-term use, it is considered less harmful than smoking and should be dealt with in the workplace as its own issue. Have a clear policy and follow Public Health England’s recommended guidance on vaping and the use of e-cigarettes within the workplace. For more information on classification, labelling and packaging see guidance from the UK government and the European Chemicals Agency. l l l l l l Labelling requirements Containers for e-cigarettes and e-liquids – or an enclosed leaflet – must display certain information, including: A batch number, contact details of the producer (and, if not in the EU, a contact person within a member state) A list of all ingredients Warnings for specific groups, such as pregnant women; possible adverse effects, indications and addictiveness, and toxicity must also be listed A recommendation to keep the product out of the reach of children and a health warning stating: ‘This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance’ An indication of the nicotine content of the product and the delivery purpose. l l l l l For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service