The TPD is a 2014 European Directive. It stands for Tobacco Products Directive. The TPD aims at regulating more closely the sale and advertising of tobacco products or tobacco-related products. Electronic cigarettes, e-liquids and other vaping products are included in the TPD.

This directive offers a certain number of recommendations in terms of packaging, product composition, labeling, sales restrictions (to minors, on the Internet, for pregnant women) or use restrictions (where to vape / where not to vape).

European countries then need to adapt and transpose the directive into their own national legislation and their own Parliament or Congress has to vote the law. This national adaptation means that the TPD will be slightly different from one country to another. Indeed, some recommendations are mandatory and need to be implemented as such. On the contrary, some recommendations are simple suggestions and countries may choose to implement them or not.

National differences

In Belgium for instance, cross-country sales are forbidden. They are legal in France. In the UK, there are no additional taxes on e-liquids that contain nicotine. In Italy, there will be a taxation of 3.85€ for each 10ml bottle sold.

We however find a lot of similarities whatever the country: the composition of e-liquids is more controlled with some toxic additives being banned. The nicotine content is limited and the maximal content is also limited. You’ll find on all products the instructions for use, the contraindications, the health and safety warnings and adverse effects.