The UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulation 2016 (TRPR) implement the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/14/EU (TPD) in the UK which came into force on 20 May 2016.

The directive was originally designed for cigarettes but the revision of the directive introduces new rules for nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and refill containers (Article 20).The Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is largely responsible for the majority of the provisions with this directive.

The TPD introduces new rules which ensure:

·         minimum standards for the safety and quality of all e-cigarettes and refill containers (otherwise known as e-liquids)

·         that information will be provided to consumers so that they can make informed choices

·         an environment that protects children from starting to use these products

What are the important dates?

The UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which were laid before Parliament on 22 April 2016, implement the TPD in the UK, and came into force on 20 May 2016. 

There are transition periods for the new rules:

20 May 2016 – 19 November 2016

No Changes

20 November 2016 – 19 May 2017

Sell thorough period of existing stock

20 May 2017 onwards

Non TPD compliant products must NOT be sold and only products complaint with the TPD MUST be sold.

How will this affect me  - the customer?

In a nutshell………..

-          You will NOT be able to buy tanks/atomisers/clearomisers over a 2ml tank capacity

-          The MAXIMUM level of nicotine strength will be 20mg/ml

-          The MAXIMUM eliquid bottle size will be 10ml

Frequently asked questions…..

Can I still buy 24mg liquids?

We will continue to sell all stocks of 24mg/ml (2.4%) up until 19 May 2017, on 20 May 2017 any remaining stocks will be removed from sale and beyond 20 May 2017 the maximum level of nicotine permitted will be 20mg/ml, we will be stocking a maximum nicotine level of 18mg/ml. We cannot guarantee we will have stocks of 24mg/ml remaining up until 19 May 2017; we are currently out of stock of certain flavours so we highly suggest you stock up NOW if you believe you will find the transition from 24mg/ml to 18mg/ml difficult. Stock up now whilst you can – find out more here

Will I still be able to buy the 4 for £10 liquids?

We will continue to sell all stocks of our 4 for £10 range up until 19 May 2017. If we have remaining stocks on 20 May 2017 – these will need to be removed from sale as they are not TPD compliant. After 20 May 2017 all eliquid sold MUST be TPD compliant. We are proud to introduce our TPD compliant range of liquids which we are currently selling alongside our existing stocks to make the transition as smooth as possible.

You will notice some changes…..TPD requirements

There are new mandatory product labelling requirements, all nicotine containing products must now state “This product contains Nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”. Every eliquid box also contains an information leaflet with information on how to use and store the product and information on health precautions.

Due to the burdensome regulations concerning emissions testing and the costs associated in testing the products (thousands of pounds per liquid), registering the products with the MHRA, new product labelling requirements, the timescales involved (6 months before new liquids are brought to market), we strived to keep the individual bottle price the same at £3.99 and the price of 30ml will be £10. e.g. if you were to purchase 3 bottles that would be 30ml - £10.

We suggest you stock up on your favourite flavours and strengths whilst you can as we are currently sold out of certain strengths and flavours and all availability is – WHILST STOCKS LAST!

 Will I still be able to buy the same strength liquid?

Our 4 for £10 range is currently available in 0mg (nicotine free), 6mg, 11mg, 16mg, 24mg. We will continue to sell all stocks up until 19 May 2017, If we have remaining stocks on 20 May 2017 – these will need to be removed from sale as they are not TPD compliant. After 20 May 2017 all eliquid sold MUST be TPD compliant.

Our new range of eliquid will be available in 6mg, 11mg & 18mg.

There really isn’t a lot of difference between 16mg & 18mg, it is considered a medium strength nicotine for ex 20-a-day smokers. We have chosen 18mg to help the transition of current 24mg users to 18mg. (Please see - can I still buy 24mg liquids?)

Will I be able to buy the same flavours?

Due to the burdensome regulations concerning emissions testing and the costs associated in testing the products (thousands of pounds per liquid), and costs associated with registering the products with the MHRA we have had to ‘trim the fat’ so to speak. We are moving forward with our best selling flavours and there’s a few new ones which we are sure will be popular.

If you notice your favourite flavour out of stock please see the “related products” tab to find a suitable alternative.

My current tank is over 2ml in capacity – will I still be able to buy coils?

Short answer – yes. Although your current tank will no longer be available for sale from 20^th May 2017, we will continue to stock spares and consumables for your tank for as long as is practically possible e.g. coils, glass, seals etc. Coils are not covered by the TPD regulation.

What about 0mg – nicotine free eliquids?

Eliquids that are 0mg/ml contain no nicotine and are not covered by the EU TPD, we will continue to supply you with your favourite flavours up until 19 May 2017 and beyond!

I currently buy larger bottles – will I still be able to?

We can sell all liquids that are currently in stock up until 19 May 2017. If we have remaining stocks on 20 May 2017 – these will need to be removed from sale as they exceed the maximum container size of 10ml and are not TPD compliant. After 20 May 2017 the maximum eliquid container size will be 10ml and MUST be TPD compliant.

HOWEVER……………

A common solution to this conundrum came out of Pandora’s box and thus a solution is born……!

The TPD does not cover non-nicotine containing eliquid; 0mg/nicotine free.

The maximum permitted size bottle of nicotine containing liquid is 10ml at a maximum strength of nicotine of 20mg/ml.

We now stock 30ml bottles 2/3rds full with flavouring and VG or PG/VG – to this can be added a ‘nightshade shot’ - A flavourless nicotine base, 10ml in capacity in either 18mg/ml or 9mg/ml.

To achieve a 3mg 30ml eliquid bottle – a 10ml 9mg/ml ‘nightshade shot’ is added to a 30ml bottle filled 2/3rds with flavouring and VG or PG/VG.

To achieve a 6mg 30ml eliquid bottle – a 10ml 18mg/ml ‘nightshade shot’ is added to a 30ml bottle filled 2/3rds with flavouring and VG or PG/VG.

We will be discontinuing the 120mls bottles – these bottles most often do not fit through a standard sized letterbox -  however we will be honouring the price! 120ml of the same strength and flavour will still be £29.99. e.g. 4 x 30ml bottles of Kings Custard 3mg max VG will be £29.99.

What about batteries?

Batteries are not covered under the EU TPD. You will be able to buy all the batteries we currently stock and new batteries brought to market up until 19 May 2017 and beyond. The inconvenience to you  as the customer will be if you currently have a large tank on your battery (capacity exceeding 2ml) after 20 May 2017 you will not be able to buy this tank or any tank over 2ml capacity so you will have to fill a smaller tank more often.

We have tried to cover the most obvious questions people have asked but if you are at all unsure or require clarification please ask! Contact orders@kingvape.co.uk or the Neath store 01639 262728.

There are many regulations which affect us as producers and retailers which I have not included here (restrictions on advertising etc) because it our job to continue providing you with you products you love until we can no longer and then in the future to continue to provide you with great new products governed by the TPD requirements.