In the modern world, vaping has become an integral part of the lives of millions of people. Over the last decade, this industry has rapidly developed, driven by innovations and growing demand. According to statistical data, only in 2022 will the number of active vape-users reach about 55 million people, which is 6 million more than the year before. Among all products presented on this market, vape shisha have conquered a special place thanks to their convenience and accessibility. However, with their popularity arises the necessity of strict regulation, mainly concerning security, which can be achieved through thorough and standardized labeling.
Path to security: growth of popularity of disposable vapes and necessity of standards
Role of international and national standards of labeling in the protection of consumers
Panorama of international standards: WHO and ISO in action
In center of international regulation stands World Health Organization (WHO), which developed guiding principles for regulation of electronic systems of delivery of nicotine. These principles serve as basis for national standards and help countries protect consumers from potential risks. According to data of WHO, more than 84% of countries follow these recommendations.
International Organization for Standards (ISO) also plays key role, developing standards, concerning security and quality of vape-products. In particular, ISO-8317 and ISO-9994 define requirements to packaging and information about composition of product.
Legacy of local norms: overview by countries
In the USA, the Administration for Control of Products and Medicines (FDA) dictates requirements for the labeling of vape products, including the indication of the content of nicotine and warnings about its harm. European Directive on tobacco products (TPD) establishes similar measures.
Russia and CIS also adhere to strict rules. According to Rosstandard, packaging must contain full information about composition, including nicotine, as well as warnings about potential risks. Notably, in 2019 year noted increase of number of registered cases of checks on compliance to these standards by 17% compared to previous year.
Critical significance of standards of labeling for consumer security and trust
- Awareness of consumers: According to research data, about 65% of users make more informed decisions when there is full information on packaging. This prevents the risk of accidental overdose with nicotine.
- Reduction of risks for health: Proper warnings help avoid undesirable consequences for health, especially among vulnerable groups, such as youth and pregnant women.
- Observance of rights of consumers: Completeness and reliability of information increases trust in manufacturers and products in general, as it turns out for 23% more cases of return of product due to incomplete information.
Revealing of shortcomings: problems in current standards of labeling
Exist significant challenges in the area of compliance with standards. Inconsistency, informativeness, and uniformity remain in question. NESI (National Electronic Cigarette Initiative) stated that in 30% of cases, shortcomings were observed in the provision of information on the product, which puts the security of buyers in jeopardy.
Steps to improvement: recommendations on enhancement of standards
- Unification of requirements: Proposed development of universal standards, which would consider best world practices for consistency and simplicity.
- Expansion of informativeness: Inclusion of all components, including potentially harmful substances, besides nicotine.
- Standardization of warnings: Creation of unified formats and formulations for international perception.
- Increase of level of control: Strengthening of inspections and checks on compliance with norms for ensuring security.
When inattention costs dearly: consequences of non-compliance with standards
Manufacturers, prepare for punishments
Manufacturers, violating standards, ready to face legal responsibility. Fines, prohibitions and reduction of reputation threaten business.
Consumers under attack
Consumers risk health due to insufficient information, which can lead to serious consequences for their health. In particular, research shows increase of appeals to doctors by 14% in such scenarios.
Value of lessons of the past: examples from judicial practice
In 2019 year incident with vitamin E acetate in vape-products in USA caused wave of lawsuits and new standards. These cases underline significance of compliance with standards for general security and trust in industry.
Final word: path to responsible industry of vaping
Standards of security of labeling for disposable vapes remain cornerstone of consumer protection. Despite existing standards, their improvement through unification, informativeness and standardization can significantly increase level of trust and security. Non-compliance with these standards not only exposes to risk health of consumers, but also puts under threat sustainability of industry itself.
Surfer, doer, hiphop head, hand letterer and identity designer. Operating at the sweet spot between minimalism and computer science to save the world from bad design. My opinions belong to nobody but myself. Tropical swift lover. I want to show people how IQOS is a great invention
