Belgium propose new vaping regulations
Belgium propose new vaping regulations, which include stricter regulations for nicotine products, a vaping ban and changing packaging to ensure products are less attractive to children.
What are the new proposals?
We have been informed of a range of new regulations that are being proposed for vaping and CBD products sold in Belgium. A summary of the proposed regulations include:
- Nicotine free products are to be considered ‘usual’ rather than ‘similar’ which appears to mean that they would come under the same regulation as nicotine containing products in Belgium.
- Zero nicotine products are covered by the advertising ban.
- Ban on sale of zero nicotine products to children.
- Ban on smoking/vaping applies to zero nicotine products.
- Belgium requires a local representative for the notifications that takes responsibility – an EU representative would not be sufficient.
- Labelling, packaging and leaflets will need to be uploaded with the notification.
- Belgium will be adopting a positive list similar to the UK list and products not on the list cannot be sold.
- Updates and changes to notifications will attract a notification fee – there will be three levels of fees depending on the nature of the update.
- A notification fee of €200 is proposed.
- An annual renewal fee of €50 is also proposed.
- Annual data would need to be submitted before 1 March of each year.
- Special lighting effects on devices will be banned and product must not be made attractive.
- A possible ban on CBD vapes.
- New regulations will be based on the precautionary principle, which is do no chance of harm, which usually means an extreme risk averse approach at the expense of risk prevention.
- No distance – online – sales will be required.
- All products must comply with ISO8317:2003 for child resistant packaging.
- ECIDs on packaging.
Public consultation: 10 February 2023
A public consultation is due to take place on 10 February 2023. We advise you to take this opportunity to share your views by emailing [email protected].
Let our friendly, experts take care of your compliance
To discuss how Belgium’s proposed changes could affect your brand, speak to one of our friendly, expert team, phone +44(0)1302 986 088 or email [email protected] today.
We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Other changes in Europe:
- Denmark labelling changes
- Italy announce labelling changes
- Italy fee changes
- Netherlands flavour ban
- Polish notification fee changes
- Sweden agree flavour ban 2023.
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