Starting 1 October 2024, retailers, manufacturers, and importers will be prohibited from selling or stocking vaping devices without removable batteries and child safety mechanisms. This regulation applies to both single-use and reusable vaping devices. Initially, this requirement only targeted disposable vapes, but now it extends to all device types, ensuring broader compliance with safety standards.
Removable Batteries
A removable battery is defined as one that can be removed from the device without causing damage, using only simple tools such as a screwdriver. This requirement aims to allow easy inspection of the battery for signs of overheating, swelling, or damage, ultimately reducing the risk of injury from faulty batteries.
For pod-style devices, the requirement for a removable battery depends on whether the battery pack serves as the power source or if the power source is a container of cells that generate electrical energy through chemical reactions. This distinction determines whether the device must comply with the removable battery provision.
If the battery pack serves as the power source, it must be designed to allow the batteries to be removed or inspected to qualify as a removable battery. For battery packs that are the power source itself, the battery must be detachable from the rest of the device.
Child-Safety Mechanism
Child-safety mechanism is defined as a feature or combination of features that require at least two simultaneous or sequential actions to activate the device. Additionally, the mechanism must automatically shut off the device within 10 minutes after its last use.
In addition to the new requirements, several amendments have been made to the regulations, including updates on flavor restrictions, nicotine limits, and labeling standards. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance safety and consumer protection within the vaping industry.
The nicotine concentration for single-use vaping products must now be labeled in “mg/mL” rather than as a percentage. The maximum nicotine concentration for reusable vaping products containing nicotine salt must not exceed 28.5 mg/mL, while other vaping devices are capped at 20 mg/mL.
Displaying or featuring cartoons, toys, or any similar elements on vaping or smokeless tobacco products is now prohibited. This restriction also extends to the packaging and any inserts that accompany these product packaging.
You may view the key timeline for the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act (SERPA) here.
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