EU regulations tightening the rules on tobacco sales come into force this month, and retailers who fail to comply could face prosecution.
From 21 May, all tobacco products on sale in the UK must comply with the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive (TPD2), which prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packs smaller than 20, and roll-your-own tobacco in packs smaller than 30g.
The TPD2 deadline date also marks the end of the 12-month sell-through period for branded tobacco products. From then, all tobacco products sold must meet UK rules on standardised packaging.
Rules around electronic cigarettes will also change as part of TPD2. New requirements include mandatory health warnings on packs, a restriction on e-cigarette tanks to a capacity of no more than 2ml, restricting the maximum volume of e-liquid for sale in one refill container to 10ml and limiting e-liquids to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml.
The latest raft of e-cigarette regulation follows on from the 1 April commencement date for legislation compelling all retailers who sell NVP products to be on the Retail Register for Tobacco, or face a potential five figure fine.
• For more information, turn to our e-cigarettes feature on pages 37-40.
