Laws aimed at improving the health of vapers and smokers will take effect later this month.

From May 20 the Tobacco Products Directive will be in force which looks at both people who vape or smoke.

With supports claiming they will boost the health of users those against them have claimed they will fail to comply with the changes.

But what are the changes and is ignoring them an option?

How are laws changing?

In the past the government and health bodies targeted smokers but they are now turning their attention to vapers.

The new rules will restrict the amount and strength of liquids as well as packaging and labelling.


* Refillable tanks for e-cigarettes must be no bigger than 2ml capacity

* E-liquids cannot be sold in quantities greater than 10ml

* Unless registered as a medicine, the strength of nicotine in an e-liquid must not exceed 20mg/ml

* The packaging of e-liquids must be child resistant and tamper resistant

What's happening with labelling?

People will get more details about what exactly they are smoking with clear labelling and a clearer definition of what’s inside the vape liquid.

The law states that “toxicological data regarding the product’s ingredients” and “their effects on the health of consumers when inhaled and taking into account, amongst other things, any addictive effect” is to be declared.

Who do these laws apply to?


But users will also be affected by weaker solutions and smaller containers.

How vapers have reacted

Some have said they will stock up on the stronger and bigger products in the days left before they are banned.

Others claim parts of the industry will be forced underground.

A few with specialist knowledge have even said they will make their own preparations.

One comment on social media suggests that vapers will simply buy online.

He said: “What difference does the size of a bottle make? I will just buy ejuice online from countries that don’t have these stupid laws.”

What happens if you don’t stick to new rules?

They could face imprisonment of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine.

As with anything new, it will take time to settle but expect most action to be against sellers rather than buyers.

What is happening with smoking?

On the same day there are changes in the way cigarettes are sold.

No more small packets, prices will go up, and packets will look even less appetising than they do now.

Packs of 10 cigarettes will no longer be available as well as smaller packs of rolling tobacco and some flavoured tobacco.

Menthol cigarettes are also being phased out and they will be gone completely by 2020.





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Are there any other news laws coming into force in May?

Yes - and this one is good news.

The Enterprise Act comes into force on May 4th.

It forces insurance companies to settle claims within a “reasonable” time.

Policyholders will be able to claim damages for late payments unless the insurance company can prove there was just cause for the delay.

That might include investigation of possible fraudulent claims.

There is, however, no definition of what a “reasonable” time is.

Anything else?

Changes in the rules governing probate fees - sometimes called a death tax - apply from May.

Previous the fee was a set £215 for all if probate is applied for by friends or family, or £155 if a solicitor completes the process.

Now there is a sliding scale based on the value of the estate.

Estates below £50,000, which account for more than half of probates, will pay nothing at all.

But those above that amount will pay up to a maximum of £20,000.