What will Brexit really mean for the UK e-cigarette industry?

The British government last week presented the 585-page draft withdrawal agreement which lays out how it intends the UK to leave the European Union.

It sets out very little in the way of change for the duration of the transition – the proposed 21-month changeover period after the 29th March 2019 leaving date. In fact it ensures the status quo through to 31st December 2020, and possibly beyond. Very little indication is given of what lies beyond that.

No change in UK law/regulation surrounding e-cigarette manufacture, sale or advertising is likely to be possible until after 31st December 2020 as the UK will still be following EU law as if it were a member state (Article 4, page 11).

Following the end of the transition period the UK should be able to legislate freely, unless abiding by certain laws forms part of the ongoing future relationship (currently only loosely defined).

During the potential “backstop” period – during which the UK would remain in the customs union – the country should be able to legislate freely, but goods exported to Northern Ireland from Great Britain may be subject to additional checks.