Category Archives: Xyfil Updates

Spain to Ban Vape Flavours and Disposable Vapes

What Does the New Vape Ban in Spain Entail?

Why is Spain Implementing the Vape Ban?

1. Protecting Youth from Vaping

2. Environmental Concerns

3. Public Health Goals

What Will Be the Impact on Public Health and the Economy?

Public Health

Economic Ramifications

How Does Spain Compare to Other Countries?

Are There Better Alternatives to Regulating Vaping?

Navigating the Vape Ban as a Consumer in Spain

The Future of Vaping in Spain and Beyond

Xyfil’s Golden Triumph at the Vapouround Awards 2024

Innovations That Set Xyfil Apart

Looking Ahead: Xyfil's Future Prospects

Raising the Bar in CBD Production with HACCP Certification

HACCP and Risk Management

How Xyfil Met the HACCP Criteria

Is HACCP Necessary?

Benefits of HACCP You Need to Know

Why Should This Matter to You?

Amazon and Retailer Requirements

Setting Your Brand Apart

Conclusion

Xyfil Turns 10: A Decade of Industry Innovation and Growth

This year, we at Xyfil are excited to celebrate a pivotal milestone that marks a decade of revolutionizing the E-liquid, CBD, cosmetic, and personal hygiene manufacturing industries. What began as a small venture in the UK has blossomed into an international behemoth known for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

A Genesis of Ambition and Dedication

Established in 2014 with a team of just three visionary leaders, Xyfil originally occupied a modest 1,000 sqft building. The canvas was small, but the dreams were vast. Our early days were characterized by relentless dedication to research, development, and customer service. We understood that the nascent E-liquid industry demanded excellence, and we positioned ourselves to exceed expectations from the outset.

Expanding Our Horizon

The subsequent years witnessed remarkable growth for us at Xyfil. By 2018, our workforce had expanded to 75 employees, and our production facility had upgraded to a sprawling 18,000 sqft building. This investment in infrastructure was complemented by our assurance of quality, as we proudly achieved ISO certification. Our turnover surged to £7 million, a testament to the trust our clientele vested in our products and services.

Pioneering Pathways

Emerging as a market leader, Xyfil did not rest on its laurels. Our commitment to setting new standards was unwavering. In 2019, we made an indelible mark in the UAE, establishing a headquarters that not only facilitated our expansion into the Middle East but also allowed us to be the first to have products published through ESMA regulations. This was not just about geographical reach; it was about setting precedents for compliance and excellence in all our operations.

Setting Ourselves Apart

Throughout the next few years, our growth remained relentless. We continued to bolster our presence in the Middle East, expanding our headquarters and our workforce. Our sister company, an e-commerce platform, grew to operate in 24 global stores, and our renowned brand, Pod Salt, became available in an impressive 61 countries. These accomplishments were more than just numbers; they were a demonstration of Xyfil's enduring quest for global impact and recognition.

Even with challenges such as the pandemic, Xyfil remained running and continued to support our customers amidst exponential price hikes on materials and more. As the industry and compliance landscape for E-liquids change in the UK and globally, we are positive and excited to meet these challenges head on while maintaining our lead as a world class manufacturing partner for our customers.

Gratitude and Anticipation

As we look back on this remarkable trajectory, we are filled with immense gratitude for the loyal support of our employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. This milestone is a shared victory, and we are fiercely proud of the community that has stood by us. We recognize that the trust we have earned demands an even greater commitment to excellence and innovation. The next decade promises more growth, more opportunities, and more reasons to celebrate.

By Your Side, Into the Future

The story of Xyfil's 10-year legacy is not just about the past, but about the synergy that we continue to build with our partners as we step into the future. Our dedication to delivering superior products and fostering a sustainable and ethical working environment remains resolute. Our vision is clear, and our focus is sharper than ever as we continue to lead the charge in our industries.

We thank you for being part of our story and look forward to many more years of partnership, growth, and success. Together, we are poised to redefine the benchmarks that guide our industries, and for that, we are truly grateful. Here's to the next decade of daring innovation and unparalleled quality.

The Latest Updates from Xyfil E-Liquid Manufacturer

At Xyfil, we understand the importance of producing a safe and high-quality product. Our commitment to excellence in e-liquid and CBD manufacturing is demonstrated in our continuous efforts to stay on top of the latest updates and trends. Our team of experts regularly research the industry, staying up to date on the latest regulations and certifications, and innovating our processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

Here are some of the recent updates at Xyfil.

Polish Customs stamps integrated into production lines

Our production lines have received further improvements with the ability to provide customs stamping for Polish specification products. This feature is an integral part of the manufacturing process, allowing for compliance with Polish regulations. Our custom stamping system also allows us to track which products were sent to which destinations, providing added security and assurance.

Want to take your brand to Poland? Contact us today so we can get your brand regulation ready.

Xyfil establishes a glueing line to meet the demand for glued boxes in Germany

The vape market in Germany is rapidly expanding, and manufacturers must be aware of the specific regulations regarding packaging to ensure compliance when selling products. This article provides an overview of the key requirements and considerations that vape product manufacturers should be aware of when packaging their products for sale in Germany.

Closed-Bottom Box Design Requirements

When preparing box packaging for vape products to sell in Germany, manufacturers must ensure that the box design has a glued, closed bottom. This requirement is due to the need for customs excise stickers to be placed on the top lids. The usual standard of boxes is therefore not suitable as the bottoms can be opened easily to access products without breaking the security sticker.

Therefore, box bottom flaps must be sealed with box glueing machines or by manual process. Box glueing machines are a more efficient and practical solution for sealing box bottoms as they enable manufacturers to quickly produce large batches of boxes in a short time. At Xyfil, we have invested in establishing our own glueing lines within the production phase, to ensure timely and effective products for German specifications.

Digital enhancements through manufacturing at Xyfil

We are proud to announce that we have established more digital enhancements throughout the company to aid in the effectiveness and efficiency of our processes. These include automated inventory scanning, pick lists and improvement to our end-to-end traceability. Our continued commitment to innovation and technological development ensures that we can provide our customers with the highest quality products. Our commitment to this was highlighted by our recent GMP audit which we passed without room for improvement.

Keep up to date with Xyfil by visiting our hub. Want to hear more or talk to us about working together? Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Mental Health Awareness Week in the Workplace 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is a crucial time for employers to take action and ensure their employees’ mental well-being. Mental health in the workplace impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement—all of which can have a significant effect on an organization’s success. It is important that employers understand the definition of mental health in the workplace, and how to address some of the most common issues such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding the benefits of supporting mental health in the workplace is equally important for employers. This can help create an environment that promotes mental well-being and provides employees with the tools and resources needed to stay healthy.

Definition of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health in the workplace refers to an employee’s psychological well-being, specifically their ability to effectively manage their thoughts and emotions while at work. It is important that employers foster an environment where employees feel supported and able to reach their full potential. When this need isn’t met, the health and mental health of your workers can suffer, and you may notice the workplace begin to suffer. Absenteeism, recurring errors, and employees quitting – all are warning signs that employers should look out for.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in the Workplace

Anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health issues that can arise in the workplace. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, low energy levels, poor motivation, changes in eating habits, restlessness or sleeping difficulties, social withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness.

It is important that employers recognize these symptoms in their employees and provide support when it is needed. If an employee seems to be underperforming or struggling to meet deadlines, this could be a sign of mental health issues. It is important that employers take the time to talk with their employees and understand what is going on in order to provide the necessary support.

Benefits of Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

It is essential that employers take proactive steps to create an environment where employees feel safe and supported. By doing so, employers can see many benefits, including improved job satisfaction and productivity, decreased absenteeism, reduced employee turnover, increased engagement and collaboration among employees, and an overall positive workplace culture.

Strategies for Supporting Employees’ Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is an opportunity for employers to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and take action. Employers should create an environment that is supportive of their employee’s mental well-being and provide them with the tools and resources necessary to stay mentally healthy. This will not only lead to improved job satisfaction and productivity, but it will also improve the overall culture of an organization.

There are a number of strategies employers can use to support their employees’ mental health. These include:

  • providing regular check-ins with staff
  • creating an open and supportive environment
  • offering mental health resources and workshops
  • implementing flexible hours
  • encouraging employees to take regular breaks

Employers can also help by ensuring that well-being is integrated into the work culture. This means putting a strong focus on mental health and well-being, encouraging staff to take breaks away from their desks, and providing support in the form of resources and tools. Additionally, employers should ensure that employees are aware of the mental health services available to them both inside and outside of the workplace.

How Xyfil tackles mental health in the workplace

At Xyfil, we take mental health in the workplace seriously. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to stay mentally healthy. These include check-ins with staff members, open and supportive environments where employees feel comfortable asking for help, mental health resources, flexibility with hours, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks.

Our goal is to ensure that our employees have the resources and support they need to stay mentally healthy and be successful in their roles. We believe that by doing so, we can create an environment where employees feel safe and supported, leading to improved job satisfaction and productivity.

In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 provides employers with an opportunity to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and take action. Employers should create a supportive environment for their employees and provide them with the resources needed to stay mentally healthy.

Taking these steps will lead to improved job satisfaction, employee engagement, productivity, and organizational culture. In doing so, employers can create a healthier workplace and ensure their staff’s mental well-being.

By taking the time to care for their employees, employers can reap the many benefits of supporting mental health in the workplace.

If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety, please reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help - your mental health matters. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website or contact your local GP to get advice and support.

Good Manufacturing Practices for E-Liquid Manufacturers

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is an important set of standards that all manufacturers must adhere to in order to ensure the safety and quality of their products. These standards are a way to ensure that only safe, high-quality products are produced and distributed in the market.

At Xyfil, we take great pride in our GMP certification, which is an indication of our commitment to product safety and quality. And this year we successfully completed our GMP audit with 0 non-conformities or opportunities to improve; a clear testament to our dedication to creating high-quality products for our customers. Our facilities, health & safety processes and manufacturing processes have been audited & certified as following international quality standards and guidelines.

To obtain this certification, we had to pass a rigorous audit process that covers all aspects of our production and manufacturing processes. These include limiting cross-contamination, high standard safety procedures, our hygiene policy & procedures, quality controls in place for our suppliers and the materials, containers etc we source with strict due diligence. GMP audits also check that as a manufacturer, we comply with regulatory requirements.

In terms of our facility, our documentation, personnel & equipment is of good quality and abide by legal and safety standards. The audit also covers ensuring our staff are adequately safe and trained, or that training is in place.

All of this to make certain that the products we produce are of the highest quality available.

The differences between GMP and ISO certification

GMP certification is a step beyond ISO certification. While both are important for product safety and quality assurance, there are some key differences between them.

ISO certification tests for quality processes to ensure that the raw materials & products meet certain standards of quality. On the other hand, GMP audits focus on the facility itself and its ability to create robust and high-quality products. It assesses the hygiene, controls in place for suppliers, staff training standards, documentation and equipment standards and more.

In simple terms, GMP audit is all about safety & quality as a facility while ISO certification is mainly focused on creating robust quality measures for materials, and goods in and off the line. While ISO is necessary for E-Liquid manufacturers, GMP certification is the only way to guarantee that products are safe and of high quality. GMP ensures a robust quality product is created in a robust facility.

Why it's important to have GMP certification

As mentioned before, GMP certification is not a requirement for E-Liquid manufacturers however we believe it should be. Having GMP certification shows customers and potential customers that you are serious about safety and quality, which is of paramount importance. Most E-Liquid manufacturers only get ISO certified but Xyfil is one of the very few who have gone the extra mile to be GMP certified also. The process is entirely voluntary but helps to show our dedication towards the quality of our processes and products.

Despite this, we believe it's important to be GMP certified as it helps to minimise any risk towards consumers. And therefore, minimise any risk of poor quality for the brands we manufacture & produce for.

At Xyfil, going the extra mile to obtain GMP certification is part of our commitment to our customers in providing them with safe and reliable, robust products. We are proud of our achievements in successfully completing this audit process. Our customers can rest assured that their products are in safe hands when they choose Xyfil.

Work with us and see for yourself the results of our certification - contact us or book a meeting today.

What it Means to be an ISO-Certified E-Liquid Manufacturer

At Xyfil, we take great pride in providing customers with the highest-quality E-Liquid products on the market. That is why we are proud to be ISO certified, an internationally renowned standard for E-Liquid manufacturers. Being ISO-certified means that our production processes, ingredients, testing and distribution are all held to the very highest standards. That is why customers can trust that when they buy E-Liquids from Xyfil, they will always get safe and quality services. We recently completed our 2023 ISO 9001 audit and once again were successful in adhering to ISO regulations. But why should you care about ISO certification for your E-Liquid manufacturer?

What is ISO certification for E-Liquid manufacturers?

ISO certification is a mark of excellence for E-Liquid manufacturers. It stands for International Organization for Standardization. It sets standards that help ensure safety and quality in the production, distribution and sale of e-liquids. ISO-certified E-Liquid manufacturers are held to very high standards when it comes to ingredients, labelling, production processes, testing and distribution. This makes sure that consumers are always getting a safe and quality product. Being ISO certified is voluntary but those who seek it must demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the industry standards set forth by ISO.

ISO certification is a voluntary process, but it requires dedication and commitment to meet its strict standards. To become ISO-certified, E-Liquid manufacturers must follow a comprehensive process. This includes rigorous testing of ingredients, labelling and production processes. Thorough documentation of methods and results, and regular audits, ensure that these standards are being maintained. Xyfil is proud to have successfully completed this year's ISO 9001 audit and continue to be successfully ISO certified.

The Benefits of Being an ISO-Certified Manufacturer

Being an ISO-certified manufacturer offers many benefits. For one, it helps ensure that customers are getting a safe and quality product every time they use our services or any other ISO-certified manufacturer. It means that manufacturers have met the highest standards for production processes, ingredients, testing and distribution. This provides reassurance to customers that the quality and safety of their products are taken seriously by the manufacturer.

Here at Xyfil, we take pride in our ISO 9001 certification - a testament to our commitment to providing superior quality products and services that remain consistent. Our customers can be certain that with us, they will always receive the highest standards of excellence.

Successfully completing our ISO 9001 audit showcases our continued efforts to manage our employees and processes with greater effectiveness & increased productivity. By implementing these practices for every aspect of operations, we can provide customers with the assurance that they're receiving nothing but the best from us.

From the moment we start working on your product, meticulous attention to detail is our top priority. We track each step with batch testing throughout flavour development, production, packaging and beyond until it leaves our facility - thus ensuring quality assurance every step of the way!

Risk assessment is one of the many strong attributes that our ISO 9001 certification highlights. In the manufacturing sector, risk assessment - especially for supply lines - is an absolute must. We are able to remain productive and satisfy customer needs even if unpredictable changes occur outside of our control; that's what makes us stand out from the rest.

With this certification in place, we are proud to offer top-notch services that guarantee customer satisfaction every single time.

To sum up

At Xyfil, we strive to provide the highest quality products and services that follow the regulations set forth by ISO 9001 certification. Our ISO 9001 certification serves as a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional customer service, quality control and manufacturing services at every step. With Xyfil, you can always be sure that you will receive the best products and services available for E-Liquid manufacture and CBD manufacture in the UK. Get in contact and start working with us today.

Changes to Certification & Fees for Vape Products in the UAE

The vaping industry in the UAE is continuing to grow with a projected revenue of US$59.38 million in 2023 – that’s almost double from 2019 when vapes first became able to be legally sold in the UAE. The market is also expected to grow by 9.41% from 2023 to 2027.

Recently in the UAE, the MoIAT (previously vape products were regulated by ESMA) registration fee has changed, no doubt due to the surge in the vaping market.

Changes to UAE registration fee

To legally sell vaping products in the UAE, E-Liquids and devices must be registered for approval with the MoIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology). Typically, this is a service that can be provided via agencies, but Xyfil also offers compliance services, whether you’ve manufactured with us or not.

Registering your product for sale in the UAE requires two separate fees:

1) Certificate issuing fee: (It must be paid to the MoIAT). These fees have been reduced from AED 5000 to AED 670 per application.

2) Document review fee: (It must be paid to the notified body). There has been no change on this and it is still AED 800 per application.

For a full breakdown regarding products, see below.

 OLDNEW
LABELAED 5,000AED 670
PRODUCT-LIQUIDAED 5,000AED 670
RoHSAED 1,000AED 1,000
PRODUCT-DEVICEAED 5,000AED 670

There have also been some changes with the registration process. Originally, a single application could include different variations of flavours; so, if you had an E-Liquid flavour in several strengths, you could register them all under one application. This has since been changed and a separate application must be submitted for each sku that has a barcode. Should you wish to register a multipack of the same flavour and nicotine strength, along with the single pack variation, this will require two separate applications.

How Xyfil can help you with registering compliant products in the UAE

“Our in-house team of compliance experts are able to perform the necessary toxicology tests and full reports required by MoIAT. More critically, we are able to gather all necessary data into the format required by the MoIAT. With popular brands we manufacture like Pod Salt fast becoming one of the most popular brands in the UAE, we’re here to help bring even more premium brands to the Middle East.”

-Pradip, Compliance, Xyfil.

Since the changes in 2019 that allowed for the selling of E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids in the UAE, we have been successfully manufacturing and selling compliant products in the Middle East. With a valid UAE Industry/Trade License, we are licensed to manufacture products for UAE within the UK. This helps to ensure that our products benefit from the superior British standard for manufacturing E-Liquids.

As a Toll Manufacturer with ISO 9001 and GMP certification, we are skilled with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing, production, R&D, logistics, compliance and more. Whether you are looking to take an existing product and turn it into one for sale within the UAE, or looking to manufacture a whole new product range we at Xyfil can help you through any and all stages of compliance.

Talk to us and book a meeting today.

Australia Considers Toughening Restrictions on Vaping

Despite being the home of one of the world’s toughest restrictions on vaping, the Australian government are considering further tightening. The aim is to crackdown on children accessing E-Cigarettes. But is it creating more harm than good?

The current vaping regulations in Australia

Currently, it is illegal to purchase nicotine-containing E-Liquid, and devices in Australia without a prescription. Each state however regulates issues such as sales, public use, age limits etc.

All states require retailers to be given approval for selling E-Liquid but at this time, none have been granted approval. Similarly, many states allow the sale of nicotine-free E-Cigarettes, but the products cannot claim to help quit or reduce smoking. These include Australian Capital Territory (retailers must have a tobacco license) and Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales have the same rule but sellers don’t require a license.

The proposed changes

The Australian federal government are considering key changes targeting specific areas such as importation rules and tougher labelling laws. A public consultation will be held to cover the four areas:

  • Changes to importation and border control laws required to stop illegal products entering Australia
  • Pre-market assessments of vapes to create a regulated source of products for pharmacists and doctors to prescribe
  • Labelling, advertising and flavouring of vapes that make them attractive to children
  • Stronger identification and regulation of nicotine-containing products

While these are being debated, the health Minister Mark Butler, has announced a ban on menthol cigarettes and other cigarette flavours plus additives.

The public consultation on vaping reforms will be open until the 16th of January.

The AMA (Australian Medical Association) has welcomed the federal government’s plans to tighten tobacco control and calls for the below changes to be made:

  • reducing the concentration limit from 100mg/ml to 20mg/ml, and introducing limits on the flavours and volume of nicotine that can be prescribed or ordered,
  • banning the importation of nicotine vaping products through the Personal Importation Scheme,
  • adding Nicotine Vaping Products to Real Time Prescription Monitoring programs,
  • restricting the use of Medicare smoking cessation items to a patient’s usual doctor, consistent with previous advice provided by the AMA.

Have these regulations really helped?

There’s much to debate with Australia’s already tight regulations on vaping. They clearly haven’t had the impact the government wished as they feel the need to tighten them further. And research has suggested that these changes may have been more detrimental to the smoke-free objective.

A recent study published by the BMJ (British Medical Association) analysed the smoking rates and cigarette consumption in 6 jurisdictions, across different regulatory environments for vaping. These included Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and British Colombia, UK and Australia. It was noted that, unsurprisingly, Australia had lower rates of vaping and a much lower rate of declining smoking rates, in comparison to the other countries.

And other countries are taking note of the failings. CAPHRA (Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate) have submitted a consultation document to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They believe that Australia’s method of medicalising vaping is failing and that there needs to be open access for smokers looking to quit smoking.

Keep posted on the latest news with Xyfil.