TPD vape rules decide which vapes you can legally sell in the European Union. The Tobacco Products Directive (Directive 2014/40/EU, usually called the TPD) sets the common baseline, and each country turns it into national law. This guide explains the TPD vape rules wholesale buyers check most often and how they affect what you order.
On this page
The core TPD vape rules for nicotine products
- Nicotine strength: e-liquids may contain no more than 20 mg/ml of nicotine.
- Tank and cartridge size: disposable vapes, cartridges and tanks may hold no more than 2 ml of nicotine-containing liquid.
- Refill bottles: nicotine-containing refill containers are limited to 10 ml.
- Packaging: devices and refills must be child-resistant and tamper-evident and carry the nicotine health warning and an ingredients list.
- Leaflet: each unit packet needs a leaflet with instructions, warnings and contact details of the manufacturer or importer.
- Notification: manufacturers and importers must notify products to the authorities before placing them on the market.
The full text is available on EUR-Lex.
Why TPD rules created the 600-puff disposable
The 2 ml limit is the reason classic EU disposables look the way they do: around 2 ml of e-liquid gives roughly 600 puffs. That is why TPD 600-puff vapes such as the Elf Bar 600 and SKE Crystal Bar are the standard format for regulated retail. High-puff devices with 10 ml or more of liquid do not meet the TPD tank limit in their standard form, so check each product against your national rules before buying them for retail.
How refillable devices fit the TPD
Pod kits and refillable devices comply when their tanks hold no more than 2 ml and they are filled with 10 ml bottles of up to 20 mg/ml nicotine. That makes pod systems plus nic salt e-liquids the most flexible combination for markets with strict rules.
National rules on top of the TPD
Member states add their own rules on top of the TPD vape rules. The most common are:
- Excise tax and tax stamps on e-liquids in several countries, including Germany.
- Flavour restrictions in some member states.
- Bans on disposable vapes in Belgium and France – see our guide to disposable vape bans in Europe.
- Age and retail licensing rules that differ from country to country.
TPD checklist before you place a wholesale order
- Is the product format legal in your country (disposable, refillable, nicotine-free)?
- Do the nicotine strength and tank size match the TPD and your national rules?
- Do you need tax stamps or a registration before selling?
- Is the packaging in the right language with the required warnings and leaflet?
- Has the product been notified for your market where this is required?
How Euro Vapes helps you stay compliant
Every product page lists puff count, e-liquid capacity and nicotine strength so you can check it against the TPD vape rules quickly. Our country pages for markets like Germany, Poland and Spain highlight known local restrictions, and our team can suggest compliant alternatives. Read how to order wholesale vapes or ask our sales team before your next order.
This guide is a summary for orientation, not legal advice. Always check the current law in your country.
Products that fit TPD vape rules
If you sell in a market that follows the TPD vape rules closely, focus on TPD-compliant 600-puff disposables where they are still allowed, refillable pod kits with 2 ml tanks and nic salt e-liquids in 10 ml bottles. Browse the categories below to compare models, puff counts and prices per piece before you send an inquiry.
