Vaping Regulations

There are many laws regulating the manufacturing, advertising, sale and use of vaping devices in the EU and Ireland, these vaping regulations are explained below.

EU Vaping Regulation

The EU’s Tobacco Products Directive regulates the marketing and sale of vaping devices and e-liquids in the EU, including Ireland.
• This Directive imposes product standards on e-cigarettes including maximum tank sizes of 2ml; maximum nicotine concentrations of liquids used in vaping products of 20mg/ml; and maximum tank sizes for refill containers of 10ml.
• Product packaging must include warning labelling in both Irish and English and a user information leaflet.
• Products must also be designed to be leak-proof.
• The advertising of vaping products that is likely to reach ‘in-home’ via broadcast or newspapers is also prohibited.
• Products offered for sale must be notified to the Tobacco Control Office of the Health Service Executive.

Vaping Regulations in Ireland

New legislation in Ireland regulating the sale and marketing of vaping devices was introduced in December 2023. Under The Public Health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Act 2023:
• It is illegal to sell vaping products to under 18s.
• It is illegal to sell vaping products from vending machines and at events where under 18s may be present.
• It is illegal to advertise vaping products around cinema films for children, on public service vehicles and at stops or stations and within 200 metres of a school.
• The self-service sale of vaping products is banned.
• A licensing system for the retail sale of vaping products will be introduced.

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has also confirmed the Department of Health is drafting additional legislation to further regulate vaping in Ireland, including a ban on disposable vapes. There is currently no ban on vape flavours in Ireland.

Responsible Marketing

The Reduced Risks Products Association seeks reasonable opportunities for our members to market e-cigarettes and vaping products to adults and trade customers. This is important to allow vaping companies educate smokers about e-cigarettes and how they can support them to quit smoking.

Youth protection is imperative for us. Our members only sell vaping products to consumers who can prove that they are over 18 years of age. RRPA members target their advertisement exclusively towards adult smokers and e-cigarette users to educate them about these products.

Significant restrictions are already in place under the Tobacco Products Directive and will come into force under the new Public Health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Act 2023. As responsible businesses, our members abide by the law and meet their obligations under these regulations.

Members of the Reduced Risk Products Association commit themselves to the following marketing principles set out by the Independent European Vape Alliance.