The use of vapes has grown in popularity in the UK over the years, with many people opting to use them as an alternative to smoking. However, with the increasing popularity of vapes, there has been some confusion surrounding the legality of certain types of vapes, particularly 5 vapes. In this article, we will explore the legal status of 5 vapes in the UK.
Firstly, it is important to understand what 5 vapes are. 5 vapes are a type of vape that allows users to customize the nicotine strength of the e-liquid they use. This means that users can choose to use e-liquids with higher or lower nicotine levels, depending on their preference. However, the legality of 5 vapes in the UK is not straightforward.
The sale and use of 5 vapes are legal in the UK, but there are some restrictions. In 2016, the EU introduced the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which regulates the manufacture, presentation, and sale of tobacco and related products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The TPD limits the size of e-liquid bottles to 10ml and restricts the nicotine strength of e-liquids to a maximum of 20mg/ml. This means that 5 vapes, which allow users to customize the nicotine strength of their e-liquids, do not comply with the TPD regulations.
Despite this, 5 vapes are still legal in the UK, but they can only be sold in 0mg nicotine strength. This means that users of 5 vapes must purchase e-liquids separately and add nicotine shots to their e-liquids to achieve their desired nicotine strength. However, it is important to note that the sale of nicotine shots is also regulated under the TPD, and they can only be sold in 10ml bottles with a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml.
It is also worth noting that the TPD regulations only apply to e-cigarettes and e-liquids that contain nicotine. This means that 5 Bar series electronic cigarette that are sold without nicotine are not subject to the TPD regulations and can be sold in larger bottles with higher nicotine strengths. However, it is important to check the ingredients of any e-liquid before purchasing to ensure that it does not contain nicotine.
In conclusion, the use of 5 vapes is legal in the UK, but there are restrictions on the sale and manufacture of e-liquids that contain nicotine. 5 vapes can only be sold in 0mg nicotine strength, and users must purchase e-liquids separately and add nicotine shots to achieve their desired nicotine strength. It is important to ensure that any e-liquid purchased complies with the TPD regulations and does not contain nicotine.
Overall, the legal status of 5 vapes in the UK is complex, and it is important for users to be aware of the regulations surrounding the sale and use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. While 5 vapes are legal, it is important to ensure that they are used responsibly and in compliance with the relevant regulations.