As a vaping device, a disposable e-cigarette must comply with the Tobacco Vape Directive (TPD) of 2023. Although vaping products don’t contain tobacco, they are included in the directive to ensure vape products meet rigorous safety and quality measures. More on that here.
The directive stipulates that:
The capacity of an e-liquid bottle capacity does not exceed 10ml.
The nicotine strength of any e-liquid does not exceed 20mg.
Vape packaging displays clear warning symbols and contains informational leaflets.
Vape tanks (both open and closed) do not exceed a capacity of 2ml.
These rules and regulations are vastly different from those in other countries where high-strength e-liquids containing 20mg or more of nicotine are lawful and easily obtained.
Non-compliant disposable vapes
The TPD aims to prevent vaping products from being sold to minors and enable ex-smokers to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
In recent months, however, vapers have stumbled across numerous disposable vapes that are not TPD-compliant. An investigation led by the Daily Mail found retailers flouting UK laws with shelves piled high with Lana Pod exceeding the legal tank capacity by over 50%.
Although “claimed” to be an accidental mishap (with vape brands mistakenly distributing stronger products intended for international markets), the sale of non-compliant disposables is a prime example of why the Tobacco Products Directive bears such great weight.
Shopping with reputable vape brands
Responsible retailers like LanaVape have tried-and-tested manufacturing and distribution processes to ensure vape rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. Meeting (and often exceeding!) all industry standards, Lanavape continues to invest in people, products and services with a commitment to developing products that support ex-smokers in making the switch.
The future of disposable vapes
The UK Vaping Industry Association has played a significant role in removing illicit disposable vapes from the shelves, and continues to advocate for vaping safety with a clear message for all vaping brands:
If the industry is going to be accepted as playing a leading role in helping Britain achieve its smokefree targets, it has to demonstrate the highest levels of compliance, standards and responsibility, which the UKVIA expects.
All disposables exceeding the legal limit of nicotine have been pulled from major supermarkets across the UK and there’s good progress being made toward ensuring the safety of vapers. Reputable vape brands take their responsibility seriously, consistently maintaining high standards of compliance with all new and existing disposable vape product ranges.
Choosing disposable vapes
If you still feel a little apprehensive about buying a disposable vape, there are a few things you can check for on a disposable e-cig packet to put your mind at ease:
Nicotine strength
Disposable vapes should contain no more than 20mg of nicotine. If the packaging suggests there is more than 20mg – or worse, the packaging fails to display a nicotine strength – it likely exceeds the legal limit and should be given a wide berth.
Tank size
Disposable e-cigarettes should contain no more than 2ml of e-liquid. Reputable disposable vapes usually contain 1.5-2ml e-liquid to produce between 600 and 12000 puffs. Steer clear of any disposable vape advertising thousands of puffs – this is a clear sign the device exceeds the legal e-liquid capacity.
Appropriate labelling
All vape products are subject to labelling requirements. Disposable vape packaging should display age-related warning symbols to prohibit the sale of vape products to those under the age of 18. Disposable e-cigs should also present a nicotine warning statement and tactile warning triangle. Any disposable e-cig packet that doesn’t advertise these labels is non-compliant and should be avoided.