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The Canadian government is imposing a nicotine cap on vaping products in a bid to protect young people. From 8th July e-liquids that exceed a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml will be prohibited, bringing the country in line with the rule that applies in Europe.
The new limit, published yesterday in the Canada Gazette, will begin applying to manufacturers two weeks from today and will extend to all retailers from 23rd July.
The regulations also spell out that exports from Canadian manufacturers cannot exceed a nicotine concentration of 66 mg/ml.
The new rules will also affect packaging, banning any indication that nicotine concentration in the vaping substance exceeds 20 mg/ml.
Brain development and memory
Federal health minister Patty Hajdu said the nicotine cap was part of the government’s efforts to stop youth vaping.
“We’re taking this action because we know that nicotine has particular impacts on young people’s brain development, memory and concentration,” she said.
The government has been particularly concerned about young people using vaping products with nicotine concentrations of 50 mg/ml or more.
Health Canada proposed last December lowering the maximum nicotine concentration in vaping products to “contribute to reducing the appeal” to youth.
The imposition of the nicotine cap now follows the launch a few days ago of a consultation on a proposal to restrict vaping product flavours to tobacco, mint or menthol.
What This Means: Canada’s government estimates that the nicotine cap will cost the vaping industry $452m over 30 years at present value.
Since the rules are being changed through regulation under the existing Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, there is no requirement for them to be ratified by Parliament.
– Elizabeth Thompson ECigIntelligence contributing writer
Photo: Andy Holmes
