Last year, the Malaysian government decided that vaping needed to become more regulated due to its increasing popularity. Along with the sudden Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill approved July 13, 2022, that bans the sale of vape products to those born after 2005, they are going ahead with their planned tax increase on nicotine-containing products including nicotine-free E-Liquids. Originally the new taxation on E-Liquids was due to take effect on January 1st 2022 but was delayed due to complaints from consumers and the vaping industry.
The plans would see the price of vaping products triple their current prices.
Currently vaping products that contain nicotine are not legally allowed for sale in Malaysia. At first vapers rejoiced at hearing the government’s plans to legalise and regulate vaping, however, the cost may be too great. The current tax rate on nicotine-free products is RM 0.40, but with the tax hike, it will go up to 1.20 RM per millilitre. That’s around an extra $17 on a 60ml bottle of E-Liquid.
How popular is vaping in Malaysia?
Originally, vaping was seen as a niche market in Malaysia however since then there are approximately 1.12 million vapers in Malaysia and is touted to continue to grow. 94% of these were previous smokers, a number that should be celebrated considering the reduction in harm by swapping to vaping. Not only this but there are more than 3,300 businesses related to the vaping industry, and so feeding the growth is likely to grow the economy and potentially invite foreign direct investment (FDI). Data collected in 2021 suggested that 80% of Malaysian people are in favour of regulations being introduced for vape products.
However, all of these great things can be hindered by the wrong sort of regulations.
Problems with the proposed vape tax going forward
One of the problems with this tax hike on vaping products means that incredibly, E-Liquids will become more expensive than cigarettes. Considering that vaping is generally agreed on being much less harmful than smoking, the fact that vaping products will be taxed harsher than cigarettes has many rightly concerned.
Similarly, there are worries that because of the sharp increase in price that manufacturers and retailers will have to make decisions on, put these legal products at odds with the much cheaper, black market products. Due to the legal state of nicotine-containing products in Malaysia, a black market has arisen to cater for the needs of vapers who want these products. With the increase in prices of vaping products which will see them become more of a luxury item, those using vaping to quit smoking could possibly quit vaping and re-take up smoking or purchase the much cheaper black market options. Neither are ideal.
This is not to say that regulations are a bad thing, on the contrary, we’ve seen that regulations can be beneficial. They help to establish a safe vaping market with products that are intended to help reduce harm. As seen by us here in the UK, our vaping regulations are some of the strictest in the world and yet it has allowed the vaping industry here to flourish.
In the case of the Malaysian government, an open conversation needs to be had between the governing bodies and representatives from the industry. Establishing regulations is ideal but ensuring that those regulations are fair and just, is a must to avoid creating more harm than good.
What do you think, should Malaysia opt for similar regulations to that in the UK?
Big Tasty – Big bottles, big flavour, bigger experience.
Designed with big flavours at its heart, Big Tasty has been carefully designed by renowned flavour artists to inspire and delight. With concoctions derived from countries both exotic and rural, take a trip with Big Tasty in a swirl of flavours.
A brand of shortfills, there is a true focus on flavours with these nicotine-free E-Liquids.
The Juiced range focuses on fruity tastes with fruit combinations both juicy and refreshing.
The Blast range delivers delightful icy tones to new fruity mixes that are a cool treat to enjoy.
The Exotic range delivers truly exquisite tastes with exotic flavour blends inspired by sunny shores, paradise islands and places of wonder.
Each range prides itself on delivering authentic flavours and with each inhale you can enjoy a variety of tastes from start to exhale and aftertaste.
Where Big Tasty first began
From the get-go, Big Tasty, a brand exclusively manufactured and produced by us here at Xyfil, was to be a brand of shortfills that focuses on creating unique and inspired flavours. And it certainly has achieved that with the expansive ranges of flavours that continue to prove popular.
If you saw the original Big Tasty packaging however you would be surprised to see that it has since changed. Originally, Big Tasty bottles were wrapped in a metallic label with bright colours and large images of fruit along with a script-style logo. This design was very in-keeping with the popular launches of its time but as time wore on and the market began to change, we re-launched Big Tasty with a whole new look.
A fresh new look and feel
Simplicity and contemporary designs make up the basis of Big Tasty’s new designs. With clean, white designs offset by a modern take on showcasing flavours with geometric shapes to reflect the flavours. These geometric designs are cleverly designed to showcase the fruits in shape and colour, in a simple but pleasing way that almost makes the design a puzzle to be deciphered. Not only this but the logo was redesigned to reflect the principle of the brand, highlighting ‘BIG’ as the focus for the products. Big in flavour and big in size.
Our first iterations showcased a smaller logo atop the product label and packaging, but this was then changed to make the logo slightly larger and more noticeable. Overall, it helped the brand take on a much cleaner, modern look that appeals to mature audiences.
The latest addition to Big Tasty was the newest range, Candy Rush. These flavours combine all things sweet and sour. With tastes inspired by many classic candies and sweets, get transported back to days gone by with each inhale.
How Xyfil can help you manufacture the next best shortfill brand
As one of the leading UK E-Liquid, CBD and personal care manufacturers, we support brands worldwide as they develop. We provide end-to-end white label manufacturing services, helping you develop your brand at every stage from flavour development to the design and production of your liquids. We offer TPD E-liquid compliance, regulatory compliance and E-Liquid analysis so that you can have confidence in the quality and safety of your products.
If you think your brand is due a refresh or re-launch to incite new interest, then Xyfil can help you. We pride ourselves on being able to help you no matter what stage you are at, whether it’s launching a new range, updating existing products or even if you’re just looking for advice. Get in contact with us today to find out how we can help you.
Pod Salt is a British-made E-liquid brand exclusively produced and manufactured by us here at Xyfil. Created with the intention of building the first step in helping smokers quit, Pod Salt is committed to helping smokers quit tobacco. Dedicated to Nicotine Salt and dedicated to providing a less harmful alternative to cigarette smoking.
The Nicotine Salt formula that is Pod Salt’s base, is a revolutionary method of nicotine delivery. Smoother, faster and stronger with greater satisfaction for vapers, Pod Salt delivers what people need. And our formula has proven top of its class, forming the basis of many other popular Nicotine Salt ranges.
Since its launch in 2018, Pod Salt has come leaps and bounds focusing on quality and the products that are in demand. From developing unique flavours to upgrading to pharmaceutical grade manufacturing equipment, to branching out in the UAE as the first E-Liquid brand with ESMA compliance. Pod Salt continues to be a premium brand that tailors to the individual needs of vapers and prides itself on being a brand that is trustworthy and honest. We know that Pod Salt will satisfy the cravings and certainly Hit the Spot.
What does Pod Salt have to offer?
Versatile offerings from Pod Salt take the smoker on the journey from quitting cigarettes, to eventually quitting vaping.
The Core range of 10mls are high in demand with flavours that everyone can enjoy from fresh fruit to cooling mint to classic tobacco flavours. The perfect companion for any vaper looking to Hit the Spot.
The Nexus range features totally unique flavour combinations inspired by the world around us from sun-soaked shores to mountain tops. Tailored to adventurous vapers who enjoy complex flavours, Nexus is available as 10ml Nic Salts and nicotine-free shortfills.
Fusions is the blending of Pod Salt’s quality Nicotine Salts and familiar flavours from popular brands. This collaboration range adds a new twist to popular favourites like Doozy, Pacha Mama, Marshmallow Man 3 and more.
Meeting the demand for more convenient vaping options, we launched Pod Salt GO before improving the device and flavours with GO 600. The disposable vape devices boast our UK-made E-Liquid and continue to deliver a premium vaping experience at little cost, and in a convenient way for newcomers to vaping.
We also cater for markets outside of the UK with a wide variety of products such as Subo, the sub-ohm specific range of E-Liquids, and flavour concentrates. With different regulations across the globe, our Pod Salt ranges include larger capacity and higher strength products for those overseas. Pod Salt's product list expands into various sized disposable devices and even the revolutionary PS ONE pod kit available exclusively in the UAE.
Award-winning and globally recognised
Since 2019, Pod Salt continues to be recognised for excellence with our first award, ‘Best Salt Nic winner’ from Vape Jam 2019. From then we went on to receive awards for ‘Best Salt Nic’ from Vapouround Awards in 2021 and ‘Best Salt Nicotine Range’ in 2022. And recently, Pod Salt took home the ‘Best Tobacco’ flavour range from the World Vape Show Awards.
Not only do we continue to see Pod Salt’s achievements recognised each year, but our reach also continues to grow. As a globally recognised brand, Pod Salt is quickly becoming a worldwide brand known for its premium quality, look and feel. Pod Salt has grown into a brand that consumers and traders know they can trust. Our products are stocked in: Abu Dhabi, Iceland, Lithuania, Spain, Georgia, Ireland, Pakistan, Sweden, Germany, Israel, Saudi and many more.
The next step for Pod Salt
Where can Pod Salt grow next? We continue to strive for the next answer to the question that has yet to be asked, innovating, and pushing Pod Salt’s core ideals further. In a market like the vaping industry, there is always room for growth and changes in direction. Currently, the demand is for disposables, but we believe that this will soon shift in a new direction, and we are already well on our way to developing and announcing this new step.
Keep up to date with Pod Salt’s latest products with us here at Xyfil, or by following Pod Salt on LinkedIn. Get in contact with us today to find out how we can help you create a brand that takes the vaping market by storm.
Back in 2011, the German Bundestag made a sudden amendment to the Tobacco Tax Act in an effort to modernise it. This resulted in an increase in tax for tobacco-containing products. But as of the 1st of July 2022, E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids, even those that do not contain nicotine, will also be subject to tobacco taxation.
The reform of the Tobacco Tax Act
On the 11th of June 2021, the German Bundestag made amendments to their Tobacco Tax Act with the Tobacco Tax Modernisation Act (TabStMoG). Originally it had been put forward that April but after various meetings, the Finance Committee further tightened the planned changes. The changes were aimed at increasing the tobacco tax for conventional cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and fine-cut tobacco, as well as heated tobacco and water pipe tobacco.
All of this, of course, is in aid of trying to meet the EU's demand for becoming smoke-free. Therefore, as of 2022, smokers will have to pay more rising to 10 cents per pack, with a further 10 cents being added each year until 2025 and 2026 when it will increase to 15 cents per pack.
The new update to include E-Cigarettes & nicotine-free products
The new changes also dictated the future of E-Cigarettes in Germany. At the time of the amendments, it was mentioned that E-Cigarettes and nicotine-free products would be included in the future. And as of 1st July 2022, these will now constitute as a taxable item.
These changes have resulted due to an assumption by the German government, that vaping products are equally as harmful to health as tobacco products. Despite the expert advice and countless pieces of evidence that suggest the opposite, they hope this new tax will reduce the usage of vaping devices.
Taxation is calculated on a millilitre basis based on the volume of the substance. Products with high ml counts such as shortfills are likely to become much more expensive. As of July 2022, the tax rate is 16 cents per millilitre, which will then rise to 32 cents per millilitre from 2026.
Possible consequences of the taxation
It’s no surprise that these changes are going to impact businesses and consumers. Wildly criticised for its demonising approach to vaping, there are obvious concerns that it may drive fewer people to quit smoking. There's also the possibility it may push consumers to purchase cheaper products from other places in the EU. Even more questionably, the inclusion of nicotine-free products in this agenda means that shortfills no longer are likely to be a popular choice for vapers looking to get more for their money.
For businesses, investing in smaller bottle sizes is more likely to become the go-to in an effort to keep prices low for consumers. Rather than the typical 10ml bottles, smaller sizes like 5ml are likely to become more popular. The new taxation is likely to impact the pricing of products which quickly becomes a battle of profit vs sellability. Will consumers pay a higher price point for the products they enjoy? Especially if they can buy them elsewhere, cheaper.
Helping businesses establish updated product ranges to suit market changes and regulations is a speciality of Xyfil. We constantly keep up to date on the latest from the vaping industry to ensure that we can cater to global needs.
Here at Xyfil, we offer a wide variety of E-Liquid types and sizes including small bottle concentrates. Already we are working with brands who wish to keep their products in Germany, to update their products and packaging to reflect the new regulations. If you want to take your E-Liquid products to Germany, get in contact with us today.
New CBD start-ups are hardly in short demand but doing it right and doing it well can be a different matter. Does this mean that you shouldn’t consider starting a CBD brand in 2022? Absolutely not! In fact, now is a great time to join the CBD market and we’ll tell you why.
The growth of the CBD market
Data has shown that the UK’s CBD market has blown well past the estimates previously thought. In 2021, the CBD market was worth £690 million, where only a few years ago it had previously been estimated to be worth £526 million by 2021. It’s now forecasted that the UK CBD market could reach £1 billion by 2025. Is there a reason for this surge?
There have been notions that the UK’s market worth has grown so well due to our evolved regulatory framework. Across the globe, most other countries where CBD is legal, do not have much or any regulation regarding CBD products. In this case the UK is leading the way with our regulatory framework that is working to ensure UK CBD products are both safe and good quality. As of March 2021, all CBD products in the UK must be filed for approval through the Foods Standards Agency (FSA).
One of the reasons why a lot of consumers are turning to CBD products now are due to the reported benefits for those with stress and anxiety. Although there is much research still underway to prove any sort of medical benefit, many believe that CBD can help them. And after the influx of stress and anxiety thanks to the recent pandemic and global lockdowns, people are looking for ways to help. It is important to note however that those who sell CBD in the UK cannot make any medical claims about their products unless they are regulated, medicinal products registered with the government.
What’s holding back CBD in the UK?
As mentioned, the lack of medical verification on the effects and benefits of CBD is one thing that does hinder the CBD market. Many of the studies and clinical trials were only able to begin after its legalisation in 2017. And while we wait for these results and further testing, many reputable companies are unable to express the benefits of their CBD products.
This leads onto the next issue; awareness and education. The lack of public education and awareness around CBD, especially on the legality and effects, has left a largely untapped market in the UK. Currently, younger demographics (between 18 and 30) are the most likely to use CBD. As the regulations change and more information becomes readily available for the public, we should see an even greater increase in market growth.
How to start your own CBD business
Starting now is the perfect time to create and establish your brand before the tidal wave of others that are sure to follow. Even if you only offer a limited range of products in the beginning, ensuring your presence in the CBD market will help you in the long run. Where do you begin then?
Sourcing your product
Possibly one of the most vital parts of establishing a CBD brand is sourcing your materials. Whether you’re looking to launch a CBD vape range, CBD topicals range, CBD oil drops or other product types, your CBD should be of the highest quality. Ensuring the hemp that your CBD is sourced from is organic and grown on regulated farms helps to establish your product’s quality. When it comes to health and wellness, customers are much more clued into the quality of products. With many articles across the web pushing for those who buy CBD products to check their ingredients, lab reports and more, transparency is key.
Organically grown hemp means that your products are more likely to be free of any harmful chemicals that could be present in pesticides – hemp is well-known for absorbing all nutrients from its environment. Many choose to source their hemp from farms in the US where most of the high-quality, high-grade hemp is grown. Now sourcing your own hemp can be costly and time-consuming, as well as the process of importing and processing into CBD oil. This is why many brands turn to wholesale CBD manufacturers like Xyfil.
Branding and target audience
There are already several CBD brands that have established themselves as market leaders, even in the early stages of this market. Because of this, newcomers will need to position their products with smart branding to truly stand out. Finding a demand that is currently not being met and targeting key types of customers will work to your advantage.
We know that the majority of those who are likely to use CBD are aged between 18 and 30. Do you want to create a brand that caters for the younger audience or young at heart? Thinking about the type of customer you want to reach, and their needs will help guide your brand.
Diversify your product range
When first starting out it’s probably a good idea to launch your key product that’s tailored towards the audience you wish to hit. That way it helps establish your brand and your products. Once your brand name and message are out there, diversifying your range allows for more opportunities to upsell and entice more customers. If you’re looking to upsell and increase customers’ order values, then creating products that are co-ordinating are the perfect next step. For example, CBD disposables could give way to CBD vape liquids or CBD shots that can be added to E-Liquids, all of which you can find in Xyfil’s repertoire.
White label manufacture or OEM?
When it comes to producing CBD products with a trusted CBD manufacturer like Xyfil, you often have a choice of white label manufacture or OEM. OEM allows for much more versatility with CBD products by creating recipes, product types and more that are completely your own.
However, for hitting markets quickly, white label manufacture is unrivalled. Especially in the current market where CBD products are only allowed on shelves after being registered and approved by the FSA. Therefore, using CBD products and formulas already registered like Xyfil’s CBD product list, helps to get on shelves quicker and with less cost overall.
Whatever you choose the CBD market in the UK is quickly growing and is a worthwhile investment to join. But to make the most of the CBD market, and with the regulations that are being established here, it is imperative to make sure your products are high quality. Xyfil is proud to be a leading CBD manufacturer in the UK with our high-grade CBD oil sourced from organic, regulated hemp farms in the US. Make the most of our award-winning CBD formulas and well-established products that have helped many brands already hit shelves in the UK.
It’s been a busy 7 months in 2022 and after a particularly scorching heatwave, we decided to arrange the perfect ‘thank you’ event for our Xyfil family.
Great food and great company really do set the mood. For all the hard work over the past year, Xyfil arranged for our favourite BBQ team, A2Z BBQ catering, to come to visit once again. This year was just as much a hit as last year!
The entire company was invited outside to enjoy flame-roasted delights. It’s the perfect time for us all to unwind, and enjoy the food, and the company of our colleagues that make up the Xyfil family. From the warehouse, production, office, cleaning, lab, management and more. And the weather has certainly improved much from last year’s BBQ!
It’s July now and there’s still much work to be done, but it’s these things that really help create a sense of family among the Xyfil crew. We’re excited for the year ahead and you should be too – keep in the know with Xyfil and follow us on LinkedIn and our Info Hub to see what’s next in store.
Get in contact with the person you need to talk to at Xyfil with these important contacts. Whether you’re looking for a quote, more information or regarding a project already in the works, these are our key contacts.
Sales team
Our sales teams are dedicated to helping you from start to finish. Whether that’s a new range you have in mind or a product idea you want to scope out, our sales team can answer the questions. The first point of call for your product needs, our sales team are here to help.
For all things sales related our top contacts for you are:
As a leading E-Liquid and CBD manufacturer in the UK, our Flavourist and Product Development manager can help you see your ideas become real. With expert knowledge on the latest trends in the vaping and CBD industry, developing new products and E-Liquid flavours has never been easier than with Xyfil.
For all things flavour and product development you can contact:
Ensuring that your products meet legal requirements is yet another service that we provide for CBD and E-Liquid manufacture. Our compliance team offer expert knowledge for regulations including UK, EU and the Middle East; work with our teams in-house to ensure that products are compliant throughout the process.
For all things compliance and regulations, you can contact:
Our creative studio handles all things design when it comes to your products, be it product design, logos, packaging & labels, POS, web banners and more. The team have helped hundreds of brands hit the market with eye-catching, unique E-Liquid and CBD designs. If you’re looking to create a new range or simply give your products an updated design, we can help.
A quality operations team ensures the production process is completed from start to finish, and our operations department strives to ensure customer satisfaction. Between meeting deadlines, establishing supply chains and running production to push your products out for your deadlines, operations is one of the key cogs in the E-Liquid and CBD manufacture process.
For all things relating to production, you can contact:
You’ve settled on your flavours and even possibly produced your batches of E-liquid already. But have you thought about the packaging? Sometimes the design of a product gets left until last resulting in hurriedly designed packaging and labels that can feel subpar in comparison to market leaders. But is it important to make sure your products have the best packaging and design?
Countless studies have shown that packaging has a superior influence on consumers, and can make a difference in acquiring and retaining customers for new products. Are your products receiving the attention they deserve? Here are our top tips for making sure that your product packaging is attractive and brings in the right attention.
Define your target audience
The first and most important step you should think about is your target audience. Who is your product for?
When it comes to vape products and E-Liquids, it's vitally important to make sure that your products are not targeted at younger audiences. One stigma that refuses to budge for vaping products is the claim that they are targeted toward underage audiences who shouldn’t be vaping. And it is safe to say there are some brands whose designs do lean towards those who are perhaps younger than 18. Making sure your products are not targeted toward younger audiences should be a priority.
Age isn’t just the only type of audience you should cater for; in fact, it can be more to do with the types of people and interests of potential consumers. For example, if you want to cater more towards the sort of vaper who enjoy parties, your design will be very different than if you were targeting vapers who enjoy chic and vintage products. Defining who you want to target will drive your design from the very start.
Using influences from other industries
Researching and referencing existing designs is a common practice by many industries and designers. Taking ideas from existing designs, and improving or tweaking them to create something new, is a great way to create attractive packaging that catches the eye. That’s not to say you should copy other designs, in fact, all this can do is potentially harm your own products which could be unfairly labelled as a lesser comparison. It’s important to understand influence as inspiration and not as a copy and paste. There are a lot of great designs already on the market but there will always be gaps between them that allow for new designs to rise alongside, and even overtake them.
Similarly, the vaping industry has a habit of falling into the stereotypes of ‘vaping design’. By using the same imagery and styles used by other typical vape brands may help your product become more easily recognisable for what it is but doesn’t help it stand out from a crowd. These sorts of designs also run the risk of appearing as child-appealing or cheap looking.
Instead, you can try using influences from other industries to create new, innovative designs for vape products. These could be designs for alcohol, beauty, food, travel and more. Many of these boast designs that don’t necessarily reflect their product literally, but the type of product/meaning consumers pay attention to. Some of the best designs for product packaging and logos are often simple, reflective of the brand and hold meaning.
Don’t be afraid to make something simple
Minimalism is a powerful way to make your brand stand apart from the rest. Especially in the vaping industry where designs can easily become overwhelmed with patterns, colours and graphics that swamp a product’s design. These may seem eye-catching but can often be too much to look at or vital information like flavour, brand name etc, can get lost.
With a minimal design it is much easier to single out important information, and especially clean designs that highlight a single focus, are much more eye-catching and can create a natural curiosity with a consumer. It should be enough to note that popular brands in a variety of industries are all looking at ways to make their logos more minimal. See for example the changes in designs from Amazon, Facebook, Starbucks, and Pringles to name a few.
Although many of these have stemmed from their brand awareness peaking, allowing them to simplify their designs, many are also aware that simple and minimal designs are much more digestible and memorable for consumers. A good practice would be to show someone your logo design and if, after a short period of time, they are able to recall your design quite clearly or at least the keynotes of it, then it’s a good logo design.
This also stems from the product labels and packaging. Overwhelming the vital product information with in-your-face graphics, patterns and colours can be a turn-off for many consumers. Your core product message can also get lost amid the graphical chaos. Simplicity doesn’t have to mean adding a logo and product information to a white background and calling it there (although this could be quite effective depending on the branding and logo). It means choosing what you want customers to know about your product and the first thing you want them to see that would draw them to your product.
Function vs form
It’s very important to understand the form and function of your product when designing packaging and labels. The form stands for the overall look and feel of the design from its font, graphical elements, texture and colour. The function is the practical element of the design that suits the purpose of the product. Form without function is merely pretty packaging, and function without form can’t achieve its goal. Establishing the purpose of your product, whether it be to offer impressive flavours, help smokers quit, or work best for sub-ohm vaping, will help lead your product designs form.
Considering finishing from the outset (what finishes you want)
Naturally most think of finishes as being the tail-end of the design process but in actual fact, it’s worth deciding on the finish of your product packaging from the beginning. Deciding on this can impact the actual design of your packaging and can make the finish feel more organic, rather than some fancy foiling tacked on at the end.
Exploring new finishes is also a great way of helping make your product stand out from the crowd. There is a wide variety of finishes from glossy to matt lamination, to soft-touch, textured and metalised foil, to UV varnish and even unique ones such as glow-in-the-dark lacquer ad thermal lacquer. Some of these may not suit the product type but introducing something different and unique looks more interesting than simple silver or gold foil.
Listen to your designers
Probably the most important aspect of the design process is to listen to your designers. Often it can be easy to have a picture in mind of how you think it should look, but rarely does the images in our mind translate well to reality. Designers are tasked with this venture and use their experience and expertise to try and translate your ideas to reality. Sometimes this may not match exactly with your original concept, but more than often these changes are purposeful. Make sure to communicate with your designers and listen to their reasoning behind the changes. The answers may surprise you!
Hopefully, this provides you with some food for thought on your next product launch, or perhaps if you’re thinking of refreshing your current product offers with new artwork. Whatever it is, Xyfil can help with our dedicated Studio team who have years of experience in helping brands develop their logos, labelling and packaging. Many award-winning brands have benefitted from our expertise, and you can too. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
Last month a decision was made by the EFSA (European Food Standards Agency) to put a hold on approving CBD as a Novel Food. It was cited that there was not enough data yet on the safety of CBD, and gaps in the data about potential hazards related to CBD.
The European Commission considers CBD to be a Novel Food product but requested feedback from the EFSA to agree on its approval. However, the EFSA revealed that further evaluations needed to be completed to ensure safety for human consumption.
What is a Novel Food and why is it important?
A Novel Food is defined as a food product that has not been consumed to a significant degree by humans before 15th May 1997, when the regulation first came into force. These pertain to newly developed, innovative food produced using new technologies and production processes. To be listed as a Novel Food, the items must be:
Safe for consumers
Properly labelled, so as not to mislead consumers
If Novel Food is intended to replace another food, it must not differ in a way that the consumption of the Novel Food would be nutritionally disadvantageous for the consumer.
Is this classification important for CBD? In short, yes. Having some sort of regulation that can ensure CBD products are safe and are not misleading, is important for customers and brand reputation.
A hold on approval isn’t necessarily a bad thing
There are some who might think this hold on approval is a bad thing for CBD but actually, it can be seen as a positive. The EFSA has noted that there are gaps in the data, but they have not outright suggested CBD isn’t safe for human consumption. The move to put it on hold in the EU is possibly a sign that they are considering following in the UK’s footsteps and requesting more data to be established. In the UK, we have already made the move to list CBD as Novel Food products and despite the EFSA’s decisions, the UK won’t be pulling CBD products from shelves, as the UK FSA have already taken steps to begin establishing regulations.
In the UK many CBD products are listed on the FSA’s website, those of which are legally allowed to be sold. They are still awaiting further assessment but many of them are allowed to be sold on shelves in the meanwhile, as there have been no immediate concerns raised.
Regulations for CBD is not something manufacturers should fear, in fact establishing regulations for CBD can only help to weed out illicit CBD products. Those that don’t contain the amount of CBD they claim or use sub-par, potentially harmful CBD (or none at all!), can easily deter consumers from trying CBD as the results from these products will only ever be lesser. Ensuring that consumers only have access to good quality products is how we can continue to grow the CBD market.
Why you should think about joining the CBD market
Even with the question of regulatory compliance hanging in the air, now is a great time to get ahead and prep your next CBD launch. CBD continues to be popular in the UK and overseas, and regulations only help to ensure that quality products are those that hit the market. Here at Xyfil we continue to produce high-quality CBD products, products that are listed on the FSA’s website, which means quality and safety for consumers.
Let us help get you to market with our experience in product development, manufacture and production. Not only this but we can help get your products onto shelves with our compliance team and understanding of market trends.
Looking to expand and take your product elsewhere? Understanding the regulations for the country you wish to sell your vaping products, is essential as they differ around the globe. And it is certainly worth taking your product to other markets, especially if it’s already receiving great success elsewhere. Let’s briefly look at the different regulations that govern the three main territories, and how they might differ from those in the UK.
The regulations for other countries
If your products are already listed in these countries, then chances are you are already aware of the different regulations. Here’s a brief list of the key regulations across the EU, US and Middle East.
EU Regulations
Child-resistant & tamper-proof packaging
Must notify the appropriate regulatory body with ingredients in E-Liquids components in devices and refilling mechanisms of devices
Devices must be protected against breakage and leakage
It must be possible to refill devices without leakage
Devices must deliver a consistent dose of nicotine per puff
Capacity of tanks, pods and cartridges must be no more than 2ml
E-Liquids containing nicotine must be sold in volumes of 10ml or less
Nicotine strengths of E-Liquids must not exceed 20mg/ml
Legal age for vaping is set at 18 for most EU countries
E-Cigarettes and re-fill containers can’t be advertised or promoted, directly or in-directly
These TPD regulations guide the majority of EU countries in their handling of E-Cigarettes and vape products. However, there are some countries that have begun to implement flavour bans or ban vaping entirely. Find out more about EU regulations here.
US Regulations
Register your establishment and submit a list of products, labelling and advertisements
Submit data and pay user fees
Submit an ingredient listing
Apply to market a new tobacco product via one of three pathways
Submit quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents
Submit tobacco health documents
Submit a warning plan for smokeless tobacco
Include required warning statements on packages and advertisements
Submit a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) application
Age-restricted for those under 21 years of age
It’s important to note that some states in the US have also implemented flavour bans. This means they only accept tobacco-flavoured vapes and E-Liquids. Some of the regulations differ between states with some outright banning vaping altogether.
UAE & Middle East Regulations
maximum nicotine concentration is capped at 20mg/ml
maximum tank capacity is no more than 10ml
maximum capacity of refill packages is no more than 50ml
must display all health warnings in Arabic and English that must cover at least 50% of the main display area. English to appear on the lower front, Arabic on the lower back.
must also display a health warning in Arabic and English: “This product may pose a health hazard when inhaled, swallowed or gets in contact with the skin.”
must not contain a variety of harmful ingredients & additives including cinnamic compounds
Prohibited to those under the age of 18
Some of these regulations can differ depending on the country as some Middle Eastern countries have outright banned vaping.
Many of these share similar restrictions with the main ones to take note of, are the limitations on size, strength, and ingredients, as these have an impact on the product you manufacture. Products that do not abide by the regulations of the country for reselling, will be classified as illegal and could be disposed of by authorities. Find out more about UAE regulations here.
Regulations for the UK
When bringing your brand and established products to the UK, you need to take into account the regulations established by TRPR (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations).
E-Liquid bottles that contain nicotine can be no larger than 10ml
Tanks, pods and cartridges can be no larger than 2ml
The maximum nicotine strength allowed is 20mg/ml (2%)
E-Liquids must not contain any ingredients that are disallowed
E-Cigarette packages must include an information leaflet
Packaging must include nicotine warnings on the front and back, covering 30% of the size
These regulations are very similar to the EU regulations with only small differences, but it’s important to make sure that your E-Liquid products match the specified strengths, max capacity, and warnings. Find out more about UK regulations here.
It is also worth noting that in the UK, advertising E-Cigarettes and vaping products is strictly regulated with only a few exceptions. Similarly, vaping products are age-restricted for those under the age of 18 and it should be a brand’s interest to ensure their products do not appeal to those who are underage.
For those with brands that cross different countries with different regulations, it could become the norm to label vaping products with the country it is intended to be sold in. Products like ELUX vapes have now begun including a ‘not for sale in the UK’ to their packaging for products intended for US markets. This is intended to help retailers from accidentally stocking products not legal in their country.
How Xyfil can help get you into the UK market
As a leading British E-Liquid Manufacturer, we have over ten years of experience in manufacturing and the production of E-Liquids suitable worldwide. We have helped hundreds of brands to market in the EU, UK and Middle East and more. Between our in-house compliance team and highly experienced members in all departments, we ensure that the products you want are suitable for the market you wish to hit. Whether that’s from the ground up with our white label and OEM E-Liquid manufacture, or with your pre-produced E-Liquids, we cover it all.
Xyfil is equipped to bottle your products in compliant bottling solutions, and our creative teams are able to create/edit product packaging to suit your needs. We offer many white label products which are already created and compliant for EU, UK and the Middle East to help you hit markets quicker. Or alternatively, if you’re looking to alter your existing products to suit new markets, we are more than equipped to handle any changes in product capacity, testing, packaging and more.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
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