Prepared by: Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM | 

 

 

As the popularity of vaping continues to grow, the regulations on nicotine concentration in e-liquids play an important role in ensuring consumer safety and standardizing the industry. This article will summarize the comparison for the purpose of legislation regulating the level of nicotine concentration in e-liquids. Also, provide an analysis of the formulation of regulations in some Southeast Asian countries and other countries. This analysis focuses on the regulation of nicotine in e-liquids in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, while also examining emerging guidelines in Southeast Asian countries, particularly in Malaysia.

The Nicotine Concentration in Vape Products Regulation (SOR/2021-123) in Canada enforces strict maximum nicotine concentration limits for vape products. Whether locally produced or imported, vape products sold in Canada must comply with the maximum permitted nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) has issued the standard AE.S 5030:2018, which sets the nicotine content in electronic liquids at a maximum of 20 mg/ml. Compliance with these standards ensures that the nicotine concentration remains below or equal to the prescribed limit. 

Likewise in New Zealand, the New Zealand Smoke Free Environment and Controlled Products (Vaping) Act 2020 also sets a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml for e-liquids. Any e-liquid sold or supplied in New Zealand must comply with these regulations, ensuring nicotine levels do not exceed 20 mg per milliliter of liquid.

In Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia, the sale, importation and distribution of nicotine-containing e-liquids is currently banned until March 2023. As regulations in these countries continue to evolve, it is important for individuals and businesses in the industry vape to keep getting updated information about the latest guidelines from the respective authorities.

The Malaysian Poisons Act 1952 regulates the handling of nicotine and nicotine-containing products in Malaysia, restricting their handling to authorized individuals such as doctors and registered pharmacists. However, nicotine in tobacco is excluded from this classification. To effectively address the legalization of e-liquids in Malaysia, regulations are needed to limit sales to adults aged 18 and over, regulate sales and marketing practices, and closely monitor ingredient composition.

Globally, regulation of nicotine concentration in e-liquids is not equivalent. While countries such as Canada, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand have implemented strict maximum limits, Southeast Asian countries are still in the process of refining their guidelines. In Malaysia. there is an importance of creating a comprehensive e-liquid regulation and it cannot be neglected, as it ensures consumer safety and provides a fair and transparent industry framework. Going forward, continued monitoring and updates to regulations will be essential to address emerging challenges and maintain the integrity of the vaping industry.

 

About Author:

Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM |  Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Expertise: Analytical Chemistry, FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy, Quantum Chemistry, Novel Psychoactive Substances, Aerosol Characterization. Email:  rashidichemistry@upm.edu.my

 

Date of Input: 31/07/2024 | Updated: 31/07/2024 | hidayahsaleh