New vaping laws: What you need to know

From 20 May, how you vape will change

New regulations come into force from May (EPA)

2015 saw e-cigs hit the mainstream as Britons took up vaping in droves. It’s believed that a staggering 2.6 million adults in Britain currently use e-cigs and the figure is rising.

Yet, as their popularity increases, so too have calls for greater regulation.

New rules from the EU come into force from 20 May which are set to make some big changes to how you vape. From this date, the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive will be updated so that e-cigarettes will be classified as a tobacco related product.

New rules will include:

1) Smaller refill containers

There are currently no limitations on the size of refill containers, however a new maximum size of 10ml will be enforced. This means users will no longer be able to bulk buy to save money; resulting in a possible overall price increase.

2) Potency weakened

Currently the maximum strength permitted is 24mg, this will drop to 20mg.

3) Smaller tanks and cartridges

Cartridges will be reduced to 2ml.

4) Child proof

Due to the sudden popularity of vaping, there have been concerns that they could become popular with school children as smoking begins to appear 'cool' again. Under new EU regulation, all e-cigs and related packaging must be 'child proof'.

5) 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.

6) Opens up the possibility of banning e-cigs altogether

If at least three EU member states express a desire to do ban e-cigarettes, it will be possible to initate processes towards banning them.