What is TPD? EU Compliance for Vape Devices
What is TPD?
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is a directive of the European Union which places limits on the sale and merchandising of tobacco and tobacco-related products in the EU. The TPD aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for tobacco and related products, while ensuring a high level of health protection.
For anyone importing or distributing vape devices in Europe, four TPD rules matter most:
| Rule | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Limited capacity | The maximum capacity for a single-use cartridge or tank is 2 ml (refill containers are capped at 10 ml) |
| Packaging and labeling | New labeling and health-warning signs are mandatory on packaging |
| Six-month notification | Product information must be submitted via the EU-CEG portal (to the MHRA in the UK) prior to product launch |
| Advertising restrictions | TV and radio advertising, newspaper ads and online promotion are restricted or prohibited in many countries |
What TPD means for B2B buyers
The capacity limit is the rule that shapes hardware selection: a device sold in the EU needs a tank or cartridge at or under 2 ml, which is why manufacturers (CigGo included) maintain EU-specific variants of their product lines. The notification requirement adds lead time — a new product cannot legally launch the day it arrives, so distributors building an EU calendar should file early.
If you are targeting EU markets, tell the sales team when you request a quote: device configurations, packaging and documentation differ for TPD markets, and confirming the target market up front avoids rework later.