If you’ve been vaping in Europe or keeping an eye on international vape news, you’ve likely come across terms like TPD, TRPR, and, more recently, the UK’s disposable vape ban. But what do these regulations actually mean? How do they affect the products available to you — and what changes might be on the horizon?
This guide breaks down the difference between TPD and TRPR, explains how UK vaping laws are evolving post-Brexit, and explores what international vapers can learn from the latest government decisions.
What Is the TPD? (Tobacco Products Directive)
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is a European Union law introduced in 2016 to regulate both tobacco and vaping products across EU member states. Its goal was to create a standardized set of rules to ensure safety, quality control, and proper labelling.
Under the TPD, vape products must meet the following requirements:
- E-liquid bottles cannot exceed 10ml
- Nicotine strength capped at 20mg/ml
- Tanks and pods limited to 2ml capacity
- Child-resistant packaging is mandatory
- Health warnings must be displayed clearly
- Manufacturer notification: products must be submitted to regulators before being sold
For vapers in the EU, the TPD continues to set the framework for what devices, e-liquids, and nicotine strengths are legally available.
What Is the TRPR? (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations)
When the UK left the EU, it needed its own version of vaping laws. This became the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR).
TRPR was originally a direct copy of the TPD, but after Brexit, it became independent from EU oversight, meaning the UK can now amend its vaping laws without EU approval.
Key TRPR rules in the UK include:
- 10ml e-liquid bottle size limit
- 20mg/ml nicotine cap
- 2ml tank capacity restriction
- Product registration with the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- Strict packaging and advertising restrictions
For now, TRPR looks nearly identical to TPD — but the UK has started moving in its own direction.
TPD vs TRPR: What’s the Difference?
In practice, TPD and TRPR are almost the same. EU vapers and UK vapers still follow very similar rules when buying e-liquids and devices.
The main difference is who controls the regulations:
- In the EU, the TPD continues to apply across all member states.
- In the UK, TRPR gives lawmakers the flexibility to make independent decisions — and we’re already seeing that with the upcoming UK ban on disposable vapes, which is not an EU-wide policy.
The UK’s Disposable Vape Ban: A Global Talking Point
In 2024, the UK government announced its plan to ban disposable vapes starting in 2025. This decision has made waves internationally, as other countries are debating whether to follow a similar path.
Why ban disposables?
- Youth usage concerns: Disposables have become especially popular among teenagers.
- Environmental issues: Millions of single-use devices end up as electronic waste.
- Public health strategy: Governments want to encourage adult smokers to switch to regulated, reusable vape kits instead.
What does this mean for UK vapers?
- Popular single-use brands like Elf Bar and Lost Mary will no longer be sold legally.
- Refillable pod systems, reusable kits, and bottled e-liquids will remain legal under TRPR.
- The market is shifting toward longer-lasting alternatives, such as pod-based systems (e.g., Pyne Pod Click 50K), which generate less waste and offer better flavour consistency.
What Can International Vapers Learn?
Even if you don’t live in the UK, these changes are worth paying attention to. Many governments — from Australia to New Zealand, and even parts of the U.S. and Canada — are considering stricter rules on disposables and nicotine strength.
To stay compliant and avoid disruptions:
- Check local laws regularly — especially if you buy online or travel with vape products.
- Look for compliant packaging and warnings (in the EU, this means TPD approval; in the UK, MHRA notifications).
- Explore reusable options early — disposables may not remain available in your country forever.
- Stay informed by following reliable vape industry updates and regulatory announcements.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Vaping Regulations
While the EU and UK currently share similar vape rules, the UK’s move toward banning disposables highlights how regulations may start to diverge internationally.
For vapers worldwide, this means one thing: change is coming. Whether your country follows the EU’s TPD, the UK’s TRPR, or develops its own framework, staying informed will help you make smarter, future-proof vaping choices.
Reusable pod systems and refillable kits are already shaping the next generation of vaping — and they’re likely to become the global standard as regulators crack down on wasteful disposables.