New regulations on products used by people who vape come into force across Devonshire, UK this month.

Ahead of the changes to the UK law Plymouth Trading Standards want to make sure that all local manufacturers and retailers are aware of the changes.

The new Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 comes into force on Monday, May 20, and introduces a number of rules about the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids including:

• 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 evident
• Certain additives such as the stimulants caffeine and taurine or colourings are banned
• New labelling requirements

Anyone who does not comply could face imprisonment of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine. These changes to the law apply to anyone who makes or sells e-cigarettes and e-liquids including those who sell online via social media, auction sites or from their own website. They are particularly keen to get the message out to people who brew e-liquids at home to sell online as these are the most difficult business to reach. Trading Standards manager Alex Fry said: “We are finding that shops are aware of the changes to the law but small online retailers are not.

“We have found online sellers selling e-liquids in 100ml bottles with a nicotine strength over 20mg/ml. After May 20 this will be illegal unless the e-liquid is registered as a medicine." Councillor Dave Downie, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “These changes to the law benefit business and their customers by creating a level playing field.

“All businesses who supply e-cigarettes and e-liquids must now meet the same standards meaning customers receive a consistent product. If a business wants help meeting these standards they can contact Trading Standards for advice."

Ruth Harrell, Plymouth City Council's director of public health in the UK, said: “Vaping with an e cigarette is a much safer alternative to smoking and we know that many people in Plymouth are using them to help them to stop smoking altogether. These new laws provide the public and businesses with added assurance concerning their safety."

Once the UK law changes Plymouth Trading Standards are planning to buy and test e-liquids to check that they comply with the new rules. Any Plymouth business that wants advice on how to comply with these new laws can contact Plymouth Trading Standards 01752 304147 or email trading.standards@plymouth.gov.uk

Read more at http://www.devonlive.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-vaping-laws/story-30319148-detail/story.html#ddQe6KtXG5rU5oBI.99

By Devon Live  |  Posted: May 08, 2017