Many rumors have circulated in recent weeks about the prohibition of "Do It Yourself" (DIY) or the restriction of e-liquids to 10ml. So to start, know that nothing will be done before January 2017, so this gives you time to think about it and stock up on your small provisions if you wish. Unfortunately a wind of panic seems to be profiling on the canvas, is this a real Vapocalypse that we are going to live? The editorial staff "Vapoteurs.net" tells you more on the subject.
FROM 1 JANUARY 2017, THERE WILL BE ONLY 10ML FOR SALE!
Following the application of the European directive on tobacco products, from January 1, 2017, no e-liquid containing nicotine can be marketed in a capacity greater than 10ml. All e-liquids will also have to be registered by the manufacturers on a dedicated platform and the latter will have to pay a tax. But that's not all ! Given the constraints imposed on foreign e-liquids, a good part of it risks simply disappearing from shops in Europe.
As regards the "Do It Yourself" or DIY, the problem is the same and the restriction therefore applies to all nicotine bases. Note, however, that this should not concern aromas or concentrated aromas since they do not contain nicotine.
While many stores are currently looking for solutions to satisfy their customers despite the restrictions, some are already announcing price increases ahead because not all will be able to assume the new imposed charges.
SHOULD WE WAIVE A REAL APOCALYPSE OF THE VAPE IN JANUARY 2017?
In recent weeks, a real " psychosis »Appeared on the web, a good part of the shops set fire and vapers embarked on the purchase of 10 liter cans of nicotine base without even trying to find out what it will be in a few months. The delirium is such that some very reputable online stores are already seeing stock shortages concerning the most important base volumes.
First of all, you have to realize that with these new restrictions, e-cigarette shops must absolutely empty their stocks, so we understand that there are promotions, reductions on some of the products. But is it therefore necessary to display everywhere in large print: " From the 1er January 2017, the party is over "? Not necessarily according to us because many solutions already exist for the shops as well as for the consumers.
WHAT SOLUTIONS ARE FACING THESE RESTRICTIONS?
Whether you are a trader or a vaper, we understand that these new restrictions can be scary but given that they have been planned for a long time, many solutions already exist.
- ORDERING ABROAD (CONSUMER)
Regarding the "Do It Yourself", in theory you will no longer be able to order your nicotine bases in European stores but in practice nothing prevents you from supplying yourself abroad (in China for example) this obviously represents a risk but remains entirely possible.
- THE BOOSTERS OF NICOTINE (CONSUMERS / SHOPS)
To counter its famous restrictions, some manufacturers have had the idea of developing nicotine boosters. The " Booster " contains nicotine but it complies with European legislation since it is limited to a capacity of 10 ml.
Nicotine booster contains the highest permitted level of nicotine, 20 milligrams per milliliter. By mixing this booster with your base, you will be able to add nicotine to all your non-nicotine bases, even in 1 or 5 liters. On paper, it seems quite simple idea but for beginners it may turn out to be quite complicated.
Regarding the rates, if for example you want to get a base of 1 liter to 6mg of nicotine you will need :
- 430ml of Booster or 43 Boosters of 10ml. (€ 1.95 per unit or € 83,85 for 43)
- 570 ml of non-nicotine base in 50/50 (approximately € 7.00)
So we arrive on a total around 90 € per liter of nicotine base at 6 mg knowing that currently it is found at about 35 euros per liter on average.
- THE REFILL STATION (CONSUMERS / SHOPS)
Another solution for shops and vapers is the use of the “Refill Station”. The Refill-Station is a new mode of distribution and consumption of e-liquids, who are " A distributor that offers “at the pump” in 0mg of nicotine, a selection of the best juices and world brands."
Today, this is positioned as a real alternative to the restrictions to come. Regarding the operation, just choose its flavor in 0mg in the “Refill Master” and then add a nicotine booster called “Nicotine Refill”. Regarding prices, here are the recommended public prices :
- - 50 mL: between 15 € and 20 €
- - 100 mL: between 30 € and 35 €
- - 10 ml of "Nicotine Refill": € 1,99
- PRIVATE VAPE CLUBS WITH NICOTINE INSERTION (CONSUMERS / SHOPS)
Although not much is said about it in France, there has already been a way in Switzerland to offer nicotine to customers without derogating from the regulations. This is done thanks to the establishment of a private club which has laboratories and are able to insert nicotine on demand. Given that the store only offers e-liquids without nicotine and that the insertion of nicotine is done in the context of a private club, it is therefore possible to have larger volumes of nicotine e-liquid. However, it requires some logistics to put all this in place, but it is a solution like any other.
- ORDERING PURE OR SLIGHTLY DILUTED NICOTINE ABROAD (CONSUMERS)
Regarding pure nicotine, it can be tempting to order directly from China for example and to insert it yourself. We know that this is already being done and that indeed this process risks becoming more and more democratized over time. Despite this, we really do not recommend this choice because handling pure nicotine turns out to be extremely dangerous. Know that at this level of purity, the improper use of nicotine can be fatal. In addition, the importation or possession of pure nicotine is punishable by a fine of € 375 and / or 000 years' imprisonment.
It is also possible to order strongly nicotine bases (100mg / ml, 200mg / ml) which can then be diluted with your bases without nicotine. If the risk is much less important, it is nevertheless necessary to be very careful, the handling of these products requires the use of gloves, glasses and adequate clothing. We once again advise against handling these products for people who do not have the necessary knowledge.
IF YOU ARE NOT CONVINCED, IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO ENTER "BUNKER" MODE
Our goal with this article was clearly to help you put these restrictions which will be coming early next year into perspective. Now, if you haven't been convinced, it is indeed possible to switch to “Bunker” mode by ordering as much e-liquid as possible before the end of the year. However here are some tips from our editorial team :
- Pay attention to the DLUO of your e-liquids and your bases. Indeed even if e-liquids are not perishable, they can lose aroma and nicotine strength over time. It will therefore be useless to stock up for 10 years of vape.
- Take advantage of promotions to treat yourself and buy your favorite e-liquids which may be more difficult to obtain after January 1, 2017.
- Favor the purchase of highly dosed nicotine bases (20 mg), you can then mix them yourself instead of buying boosters.
- Remember that despite the restrictions to come, not everything will disappear overnight. Stores will likely offer packs of several 10ml bottles at great prices. There is no need to panic.
