This may seem like a strange question. Most people associate vaping and e-cigarettes with an aid to helping cigarette smokers quit the habit. As the most addictive element of cigarettes is nicotine, it makes sense for e-liquids to also come with nicotine. Therefore, one has to ask the question – why would anyone want an e-liquid that did not contain nicotine?
The Answer Is Quite Simple.
With the increasing popularity of nicotine free e-liquids and products, governments around the world are introducing laws and regulations to ensure that these products are safe for consumption. These laws are designed to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with nicotine free e-liquids and products, as well as to prevent underage users from accessing them.
The laws vary from country to country, but generally require manufacturers of nicotine free e-liquids and products to adhere to certain standards regarding ingredients, labeling, manufacturing processes, and more. Additionally, countries have introduced specific regulations for tobacco free vape laws in order to reduce the appeal of vaping among young people.
By understanding why there are laws around nicotine free e-liquids & products we can better understand how they affect our lives and make sure that we comply with them.
A Guide to Navigating the Complex Laws Surrounding Nicotine Free Products & E-liquids.
It can be difficult to understand the regulations around vaping using e-cigarettes, as many of these products contain nicotine. Generally, vaping itself is not forbidden; it is the nicotine that makes it illegal for those under the legal age to vape. However, the regulations vary depending on the area you live in.
In the US , a law was passed in December 2019 that prohibited people under 21 from purchasing tobacco products and e-cigarettes, which was previously 18. Though the federal law is in effect, local governments have the ability to set their own rules. Thus, some states have fully outlawed vaping, while others allow it.
For example, there is a state-wide ban on the sale of all e-cigarettes in Massachusetts, and a ban on all flavoured e-liquids in Montana, yet in Virginia vaping is prohibited on Virginia Railway Express trains, limited to 100 feet on the north end of station platforms, and all northern schools. All other indoor places can freely permit vaping if they choose.
However, what is curious is that where the law is concerned, e-cigarettes and e-liquids can be sold to minors providing that there is no nicotine in any e-liquids used.
In the UK, any law passed by the government is enforceable across all four union countries, England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Consequently, the sale of any vaping products to persons under the age of 18, even if they are free of nicotine, is banned. Similarly, vaping by anyone under the age of 18 is banned.
In Europe, with 27 countries in the Union, the laws vary considerably in certain countries, but in general, those in the Union generally follow any EU directives. As such, the laws are so specific that e-cigarette e-liquid tanks cannot be any larger than 2ml in capacity, the strength of e-liquids cannot exceed 20mg of nicotine per 100ml of e-liquid, and e-liquids, whether flavoured or containing nicotine, cannot be sold in any greater quantity than a 10ml bottle.
In the United Arab Emirates, China and Brazil it is illegal to vape or buy vaping products if you are under 18 years of age, while in Australia you have to have a GP prescription as well. In South Korea you have to be 19 years of age or older and 20 or over in Japan to buy e-cigarette-related products.
At Aspire, we are a major supplier of electronic cigarettes and vaping mods. When visiting our website, users must confirm they are 21 or older – this is to show respect for laws around the world, as 21 is the minimum legal age for vaping and buying e-cigarettes and related products in many countries.
It is important to be aware of the legalities of vaping and e-cigarette usage in the area you live or is travelling to. To quickly figure out the rules and regulations, use a search engine to look up “Is it legal to use e-cigarettes in X?” and “What age do you have to be to use an e-cigarette in X?”, replacing X with your location__. Be sure to use reliable sources and double-check your results, as the Internet can contain false information.