The Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) is a European regulation introduced in 2014, as part of the fight against smoking. Despite strong opposition, initially from vapers' associations, Directive 2014/40/EU equates electronic cigarettes and e-liquids with tobacco products. It thus regulates the manufacture and trade of vaping products.

What the TPD imposes to professionals :

  • LIMITING the nicotine level to 20 mg/ml.
  • LIMITING the volume of nicotine-containing liquids to 10 ml.
  • STATING the ingredients in the products and the emissions resulting from their use.
  • 6 months NOTIFICATION before releasing on the market each product likely to enter the Common Market.
  • DUTY to inform consumers of the potential risks associated with the consumption and use of nicotine products.
  • DUTY to include health warnings on vaping products.
  • DUTY to protect children from using vaping products with child-proof packaging.
  • LIMITING the capacity of tanks to 2 ml.
  • PROHIBITING advertising to the general public.

Each Member State has transposed this text into its national law. This explains the slight differences from one country to another. A revision of this directive is planned in the coming months. It could impose new limitations for some flavours or labelling. Moreover, despite the mobilisation of several associations, taxation on vaping products containing nicotine seems highly likely.

And in Switzerland ? The Tobacco Products Act (LPTab) is currently being discussed in the parliamentary chambers. The direction taken is more or less the same as for the EU.