ARTICLE 20 TPD:
No-one has brought this issue up but it is very important for vaping in the EU and most importantly in the UK.
From my reading the TPD (tobacco products directives) is a collection of rules that are not in the buyers best interests and can be costly to both the makers of vaping juice and retailers like
VIP
Some big events related to TPD
1. law went into effect may 2016.
2. All non compliant vape juice can still be sold until may 2017
3. There exists significant advertising laws in the TPD.
4. The VIP kiosks serve as advertising without violating that law.
This gives VIP a big strategic advantage over others in that respect.
5. 10ml vials are the limit and 20mg/dl is the max strength. This is mandatory come May 2017. MAy 2017 and thereafter we will see the biggest changes come. Some articles talk about how many items on a stores website or at the shop will be removed overnight.
How can this help VIP?
1. The costs associated with may 2017 regulations are too much for some companies. They will go out of business but how many will remain to be seen. VIP should be able to claim some of those customers are their choices are going to be reduced.
2. The advertising limits are harsh, according to many vaping news sites, but VIP is able to advertise in compliance with the TPD.
3. VIP is already adherent to the new manufacturing rules and has a juice maker that is compliant. Many vaping retialers are going to reduce the variety, volume of options, and flavors as a result of TPD come may 2017. VIP will not.
Basic rules include
All advertising of e-cigs and vaping products will be banned from all forms of advertising, including TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, and most incredibly, online and social media marketing. After May 20, it will be illegal for local vape shops to Tweet or Instagram about their products and e-juices.
Tank capacities must be approved by the TPD and cannot exceed 2ml.
New tanks must receive MRHA approval before they can be sold on the market. There are also no specific requirements for how long this MRHA approval may take or how much it will cost.
E-liquids cannot exceed 20mg of nicotine and must be sold in bottle sizes of 10ml or less.
New e-juices released after November 19, 2017 must also be tested and approved by the MRHA, involving another perhaps lengthy and costly approval process.
