New regulations on plain packaging of tobacco products and regulation of e-cigarettes

New EU regulations which introduce plain packaging of tobacco products and regulation of electronic cigarettes have come into force in the UK.

Standardised (plain) packaging of tobacco products 

The standardised packaging regulations mean that in future:

• Cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco must be sold in plain, drab packages which have had all the attractive features and colours removed
• Health warnings must cover 65% of the front and back of packaging
• Manufacturers cannot put promotional and misleading descriptors on packaging of tobacco products such as “lite”, “natural” and “organic”
• Cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with flavours such as fruit, spice, herbs, alcohol, candy, or vanilla are banned.

There will be a one year transitional period to allow old stock of branded cigarettes to be sold off. From 21st May 2017 all tobacco products on sale in the UK must comply with these new regulations.

Regulation of electronic cigarettes

The new Tobacco Products Directive for the first time introduces minimum standards for the safety and quality of e-cigarettes and refill containers. It stipulates that in future:

• Electronic cigarettes which contain up to 20 mg per ml of nicotine must be regulated as consumer products. Products containing over 20mg per ml of nicotine will need to have a medicinal licence.
• Advertising, promotion or sponsorship of electronic cigarettes and re-fill containers will be prohibited 
• There will be a size limit for e-liquids of 10ml for dedicated refill containers and 2ml for disposable electronic cigarettes, cartridges and tanks.
• Products must be child and tamper proof.
• E-cigarette products must include a health warning covering 30% of the surface of the unit packet stating, “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.”
• Instructions for use and information on addictiveness and toxicity must be included on the packaging and accompanying information leaflet.
• Promotional and misleading descriptors on packaging will be banned
• All substances contained in the product and information on the product’s nicotine content must be declared on the label.

For further information see 

• PCRS-UK’s latest update on e-cigarettes
• PCRS-UK’s position statement on e-cigarettes

REMINDER: PCRS-UK smoking cessation resources include advice for all members of the practice team on how to help patients to quit smoking.    

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