It will no longer be possible to buy e-cigarettes with a so-called 'plug-in' system. These models are mainly sold in convenience stores and are originally a response to the volume restriction on pre-filled tanks, which automatically limits the life of a disposable vape to between 600 and 800 puffs. And there should be no more puffs than that, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, which is now banning sales with immediate effect.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has banned the sale of four different e-cigarettes with a so-called "plug-in" system. These are slightly larger rechargeable e-cigarettes, packaged with a 2ml tank (pod) and a refill tank that effectively acts as an extra pod with 10ml of e-liquid.
Circumstantial problems with longevity
The devices have become popular in Sweden, but also in other EU countries, where legislation forces manufacturers to sell only pre-filled kit systems with a maximum of 2 ml of e-liquid in the tank. The legislation automatically limits the number of puffs to between 600 and 800, regardless of model or battery size. As similar legislation does not exist in countries outside the EU, disposable models without this limitation have proliferated on the black market.
Want to meet demand
As vejpkollen previously reported, demand for larger disposable models has has grown as disposable weapons have become increasingly available in convenience stores (convenience and food stores, petrol stations and service stations). Several manufacturers therefore launched "plug-in" systems to meet the demand of customers who usually buy vapes in these shops.
Similar to traditional e-cigs
"Plug-in" solutions are very similar to traditional rechargeable e-cigarettes where the mod/tank and e-liquid are sold separately. The difference is that it is all sold as a 'kit' where the supplied e-liquid can only be used with the other devices in the kit. This has also been the justification given by the responsible companies to obtain authorisation to market the models.
FHM: "Contrary to legislation"
However, according to the Public Health Agency, the packaging itself contravenes current legislation. The devices are sold as a package with a rechargeable e-cigarette with a small 2 ml pod and one or more refill units that can be connected to the original pod. In practice, this means that the user can get a pod/tank that holds significantly more than 2 ml, according to the Agency.
Moreover, the models are marketed as being able to last for well over 800 puffs, which is only the case if the user puts the different pods together. According to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the systems are also based on the pre-filled tank being refillable. This is also considered unauthorised.
The ban applies to the following weapons:
At present, the Public Health Agency has decided on four different plug-in systems: Vozol, Frunk5000, Dipped Panter Fusion 6k and IVG 2400. These will no longer be on the list of authorised products on the Public Health Agency of Sweden website.
According to the Authority, the decisions shall take effect immediately, but the manufacturers/managers concerned have the possibility to appeal to the Administrative Court.
