New laws on vaping come into effect this week
Supporters say the rules are needed to dissuade people from picking up the e-cigarette habit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Electronic cigarette users will be hit by new restrictions this week, under a new directive cracking down on all smoking products.
The new legislation, which limits the potency of vaping liquids and reduces the size of refill packets, was introduced last year, but companies were given 12 months to adopt the changes.
Supporters say the new rules are needed to dissuade people from picking up a vaping habit, while critics argue the new laws will put smokers off switching to e-cigarettes.
The legislation includes:
Reducing the size of refill containers
A new maximum size of 10ml will be enforced, meaning users will no longer be able to bulk buy to save money. This could result in price rises.
Weakening e-liquid potency
Currently the maximum strength permitted is 24mg, this will drop to 20mg.
Reducing the size of tanks and cartridges
Cartridges will be reduced to 2ml.
Child proofing measures
Due to the sudden popularity of vaping, there have been concerns that they could become popular with school children. Under new EU regulation, all e-cigs and related packaging must be 'child proof'.
Greater government scrutiny
Manufacturers in the industry will be asked to submit to the government open, detailed and transparent information about what the products they sell do and contain.
Any retailer not complying with the new laws by 20 May will face up to two years in prison.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments