The regulation of e-cigarettes
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This briefing paper provides an overview on the regulation of e-cigarettes.
By Elizabeth Rough
The new European Union Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) entered into force on 19 May 2014. It introduced new regulatory controls on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), as well as setting out requirements on tobacco products. The UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 implemented the TPD in full. This Commons Library Briefing Paper outlines the new product requirements for e-cigarettes and identifies where national regulations have gone beyond what is in the TPD.
The use of e-cigarettes
Unlike conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, do not involve burning and thus do not produce carbon monoxide, tar or smoke. They work by heating a solution of water, flavouring, propylene glycol, and, typically, nicotine to create a vapour that the user inhales. Using an e-cigarette is often described as ‘vaping’ rather than smoking. It was estimated in 2019 that almost 3 m...
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