E-liquid safety and quality

Essential elements in the vaping experience, e-liquids are available in a wide variety of flavors, with or without nicotine (at the discretion of the vaper). However, since this product is inhaled by the user, it is essential to understand the safety and quality issues related to the e-liquids available on the market.

• Composition of e-liquids

An e-liquid is composed of three ingredients: flavorings, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. To know the specific function of each, I invite you to read the article "The Composition of an E-liquid." Each plays a major role in vapor production and mouthfeel.

• Standards and regulations

This topic is at the heart of the 2023 news. Indeed, many discussions are underway in Europe and France. Many countries around the world have already banned flavors, and even the use of e-cigarettes. First, let's look at the points not to be overlooked for the marketing of e-liquids. According to the European Parliament, the electronic cigarette is assimilated to tobacco products. Therefore, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is responsible for legislating it.

What framework has the TPD imposed in France?

- Prohibition of selling any e-cigarette products to minors, including devices, pods, coils, and nicotine or non-nicotine e-liquids.

- Since 2017, an e-liquid bottle containing nicotine must not exceed 10ml.

- Caps must have child-resistant features, and a raised triangle must be placed to alert the visually impaired of the presence of nicotine.

- A danger symbol must appear on the bottle or label to warn of the risk of irritation in case of skin contact.

- The e-liquid composition, nicotine content, batch number, and expiry date must be clearly indicated on the label or packaging.

- Visuals that may appeal to young people, such as candies or cakes, are prohibited.

- Many additives have been banned.

- Regarding nicotine, the maximum authorized dosage is 20mg/ml.

Since 2017, the TPD has entrusted national monitoring to ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) before any commercialization in France. All manufacturers and importers are required to declare their vaping products, along with the composition and toxicological data of the ingredients, to this agency.

Now, let's talk about the ongoing discussions on legislative changes in 2023. First, many associations such as the National Committee Against Tobacco (CNTC) want to ban flavors in vaping. Furthermore, a bill aiming to ban puff (disposable e-cigarettes) was submitted in May 2023, and the further development should take place during the autumn 2023 parliamentary session.

We will revisit these new laws (flavor bans, disposable e-cigarette bans, integrated battery bans, taxes, etc.) when they undergo significant progress. For now, they are only suppositions and negotiations.

• Certifications and quality labels

Optional standards have been put in place, such as ISO8317 certification for child-resistant caps (requiring caps that must be pushed and turned), and ISO9001 standard for the manufacturing process.

Other certifications or labels exist. For example, the AFNOR (French Standardization Association) certification is 100% French, non-mandatory, and was created by manufacturers to reassure users. It guarantees premium quality and addresses many additives such as diacetyl or sucralose. The AFNOR has developed the XP D90-300 standard in collaboration with health professionals and consumer associations. This standard ensures pharmaceutical quality for the following ingredients: propylene glycol or vegetable propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. It excludes synthetic nicotine, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances, vegetable or mineral oils, colorants, sugars, sweeteners, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, energizing substances, and drugs. Additionally, it adds two important points:
- Information: clear and comprehensive traceability data and direct consumer assistance on the label.
- Control: ensuring compliance with concentration standards for certain ingredients and internal control of production processes and conditions.

To learn more about AFNOR certification, you can visit their page by clicking here.

You may also find the "Origine France Garantie" label on certain brands. It certifies the know-how and compliance with production conditions in France. This label guarantees a genuine territorial anchoring. In fact, the list to be followed is simple:
- At least 50% of the unit cost price must be acquired in France.
- All ingredients representing more than 8% of the recipe must be of French origin by weight.
- The product must acquire its essential characteristics in France.

Finally, there are organic e-liquids. Although an e-liquid cannot be 100% organic or obtain official organic certifications from the agri-food industry, some brands strive to use organic raw materials such as Vegetable Propylene Glycol or limit their environmental impact and prioritize local supply chains and French employment.

Choosing safe and quality e-liquids is crucial for a satisfying and risk-free vaping experience. Consumers must be aware of safety standards, labels, and regulations existing in France and Europe to refine their choices. At Bar à Diy, we are committed to offering quality products. We only work with flavorings and concentrates that comply with current standards and regulations. The bottles, caps, and labels adhere to the existing legislation. We use pharmaceutical-grade and organic raw materials (MPVG and VG).