ECTA Training, Certification, and Accreditation Program Announced at CVE Toronto

While sitting on the panel at a breakout session at CVE Toronto on July 22nd, Daniel David was handed an opportunity; An audience member asked a question regarding standardization of shop behaviors and staff training.

Not an hour before, Daniel had been rolling out ECTA’s new Certification and Accreditation Program during the ECTA members meeting. In response to the audience members question, Daniel proceeded to lay out the highlights of the Certification and Accreditation program, soon to be released to the industry at large.

The certification portion of the program, initially focused on retail operations, will consist of two separate courses of study;

Vendor Essentials – Consisting of 13 modules, this course will ensure retail staff will have sufficient knowledge to sell 1st to 4th generation devices, e-liquid and accessories. It includes basic battery safety information, common terminology, and provincial laws that impact the sale of vapour products, among other things.

Vendor Advanced – This course is only available upon the successful completion of the Vendor Essentials course, and will consist of 10 modules. It is targeted at managers and owners. This includes, but is not limited to, advanced battery training, coil types and material, Federal legislation and requirements, physiological aspects of nicotine, harm reduction, e-liquid testing, and importation.

Modules, Quizzes, and Exams. OH MY!

Modules – Each module will be hosted online in a “slide show” training format. The reading material will have a timer to prevent users from just skipping to the quiz. This timer will be short enough to allow those with advanced knowledge to get through the material faster. Modules are designed to be completed in relatively short time frames (15-20 min) in order to facilitate course completion at the users convenience. Shorter, more numerous modules allow users to easily pick up where they left off.

Quizzes – There is a quiz at the end of each module. Upon completion of the training material, the user will be prompted to complete a quick 10 to 15 question, multiple choice quiz. The quiz may be taken multiple times but a score of 80% or greater is required before the module is checked as complete.

Exams – Upon the successful completion of all modules, the user will then have access to take the certification exam. There are multiple versions of the exam. Exams will be approximately 100-150 multiple choice, True and False, and drag and drop questions covering information from each previously completed module.

Certificates – Once the course has been completed with a passing grade, the user’s information will be recorded in a secure database and a certificate of completion will be issued.

Accreditation an Equally Important Portion of the Overall Program

ECTA’s Accreditation program will consist of an expanded ISE designed to support and protect membership. This expansion to our existing standards will include:

• Verification of certified staff
• Assistance with provincial compliance
• Assistance with Federal compliance (testing, labeling, marketing etc.)
• Assistance with federal reporting requirements
• Utilizing audits to complete federal reporting requirements and their submission on behalf of the member.
• Utilizing audits to ensure product, sales force, and marketing compliance in order to avoid costly fines.

Both the certification and accreditation programs rely on each other in order to realize the greatest benefit and government endorsement. With federal legislation looming, time is of the essence. Expect further details and progress updates throughout the summer months.

ECTA will continue to strive to bring the best standards and information forward and work with our government in relation to the vaping industry. Certification programs are found in almost every industry in Canada, and this program ensures the knowledge and competence for front end staff, managers and shop owners. It shows a commitment to our legislators and will help with the explosion of growth we are experiencing within this industry.

This is a new publication and unfortunately we don’t have enough space to recognize all of the membership at one time. However, here are the most recent inductees from 2017.

Please join The Standard in welcoming the following businesses to ECTA;

Vap Select Inc.

Soak E-Liquids

And

Bobilicious Vapes

Welcome aboard folks!

Breakout Session a Welcome Addition to CVE

Returning to CVE Toronto was the formerly absent “Break-Out” room. A place where discussion panels and information seminars could be held away from the hustle, bustle, and noise of the exposition floor. ECTA used this space for a 2 hour members meeting (broadcast via Facebook Live on the ECTA Members page). A panel discussion was scheduled immediately afterwards with notable figures Phil Busardo, Dimitris Agrafiotis, Dave Goerlitz (the former Winston Man), and others including our own Mike Meathrel from Dvine Labs and the aforementioned Daniel David.

The panel discussion was moderated by Charlie Pisano, CVE Toronto organizer and M.C. for the event. Mr. Pisano asked the panel a series of questions such as “Where have we come from as an industry and where do you see us going?” and “If you had a button and could push it once to get rid of something in the industry and then push it again to bring back something that is gone; what would you remove and what would you replace it with?”. Panel members were then each given a chance to respond to these questions in turn. The whole thing was broadcast via FB Live by several of the audience members and can be found on multiple Facebook pages, including the ECTA members page.

At the request of Mr. Busardo the panel discussion was followed by a more intimate conversation between those in attendance and Phil, Dimitris, and Dave Goerlitz.

Over all the break-out session was fairly well attended with approximately 70% of the seats filled during the panel discussion. The Standard would be pleased to see these sessions continue at future events and looks forward to the day when attendance is such that it is standing room only.

Gorilla Bottles and CCCR 2001 Labeling

Label Guru, John Haste was sadly absent during CVE Toronto, but based on photographs of the event, he would like to remind those looking to maintain CCCR 2001 compliant labeling (including some of our members), that there is a label calculator on ECTA’s publicly accessible website.

With the uptake of the popular Chubby Gorilla, and Unicorn bottles, it is important to remember that different bottle sizes result in changes in CCCR 2001 requirements as the specifications are dependent on the display area, not the size of the label the vendor would “prefer” to apply.

• ECTA has a documented label policy which explains;
• What is required under CCCR 2001 for all nicotine containing products.
• What is required by CCCR 2001 but may be subject to small container exemption. If used must comply with CCCR 2001.
• What is required by ECTA members.
• Optional, but recommended items.

The policy page also explains some common errors in labeling, and at the bottom of the policy a calculator has been programmed where the user can input the bottle display surface dimensions to determine specific requirements based on bottle size.

The ECTA label policy can be found at: http://ectaofcanada.com/ecta-label-policies/

Amelia Howard wrote an interesting article on Facebook about identifying and avoiding predatory vaping studies. Unfortunately it is too long to print in our little publication, but you can head over to the ECTA public website and read it in all of it’s glory at;

http://ectaofcanada.com/avoiding-unethical-predatory-anti-vaping-research/

The end of April was Battery Safety Week, but the information is timeless. See ”Battery Pro Tips” at;

http://ectaofcanada.com/battery-pro-tips-for-battery-safety-week/

Work Groups are being formed for several ongoing and upcoming projects.

http://member.ectaofcanada.com/establishing-work-groups/

and here is the video playback and information packages from our members meeting at CVE in To-ronto!

http://member.ectaofcanada.com/member-meeting-july-22-2017/

So What Can ECTA Do For Me As a Manufacturer?

As a manufacturer of e-liquid, you are expected, by all governing bodies, consumers and retailers, to uphold basic safety, quality, and labeling standards applicable to any consumable product made in Canada. Do you know what these standards are? Can you verify compliance? Are you aware of potential changes to the law and ready to navigate them?

ECTA’s e-liquid testing and quality control compliance program is noted as one of the best in the world. Our clear, concise guidelines are based on current Canadian regulations applicable to e-liquid ingredients, using the most recent studies and continual input from the world’s top medical and chemical researchers.

As an ECTA member, your company will be guided through appropriate QC standards in a bi-annual audit where you will receive assistance in identifying issues and learn how to address and correct problems. Your products will be tested for things that consumers are concerned about; safety, and integrity. Your records and tests, while kept in strict confidence, are independently verified. You have peace of mind and so do your customers.

In the face of pending regulations, your company will be well on the road to meeting the type of QC that will likely be included in federal standards. You will be able to verify compliance to any retailer in Canada. You will also have access to testing requirements for other nations so you can become or remain “export ready”.

Safety, quality, and labeling requirements are the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. ECTA members are trustworthy sources for retail outlets and wholesale distributors because each member is required to meet the current standards, and kept in the loop on what is pending.

Once Federal Regulation begins, ECTA members will be best positioned to meet goals and make transitions quickly. A critical step in growth and success.

It’s Not All Just Extra Work You Know…

ECTA has negotiated an industry-wide benefits package for member businesses that can cover your staff, regardless of the size of your business. As an ECTA member you can access valuable coverage whether you are a single proprietor or a growing company with multiple departments.

ECTA is not a lobbying organization. We are, however, uniquely qualified and therefore involved in the march towards regulation. We bring the concerns of our industry, and our members in particular, to the table. We are committed to fight for the right of our unique entrepreneurs who built the Canadian industry. Membership dues are used to support your needs and concerns, carry out necessary global testing, support studies and ensure our industry has a say in how we go forward in Canada.

I’m a Retailer. What About Me?

Retail business is the front line for vapour products in Canada. The bridge between consumers and manufacturers. It’s in the stores and on the shelves where standards are most visible to consumers, and where any lapse in standards is most noticeable.

ECTA has created a detailed compliance program that sets the standard for how vapour products are labelled, tested and sold in Canada based on existing and pending laws using professional input from researchers and with regard to industry constraints. Our member compliance program gives clarity to your business and standards that your customers can trust.

When government agencies question the integrity of your inventory, ECTA offers you high level support and direct information, so you can protect what you’ve worked so hard for, reduce vulnerabilities and demonstrate real, compliance based, focus.

Consumers have taken the lead in demanding tested E-liquids with clear and concise labeling. ECTA manufacturers are monitored to ensure they meet the most stringent standards. You can always count on them for a source of products that meet customer demands. ECTA also provides basic information and guidance on current standards for you to pass on to suppliers who are not members, so they can choose to meet your compliance needs as well. This all adds up to a confident experience for even the most demanding customer.

That’s All Fine and Dandy, But I Just Don’t Want To Set Stuff On Fire Anymore.

ECTA members commit to quality and this impacts every product they carry. You, the consumer, are the reason they care.

Our detailed testing methodology was designed to help ensure safety and integrity for every product. We work with the world’s top researchers to ensure that we understand, look for, find, and correct any problems that could make the products you use “less” than the very best.

In addition to general QC, a world class professional lab tests samples from each member to ensure that Diacetyl and Acetyl Propionyl are not added, that nicotine levels are as advertised, that PG and VG ratios are correct, that contaminates are absent and ingredients are pure and clean.

Our members follow Canadian labeling laws on e-liquids to ensure your right to information is honored in a layout that’s clear, concise, and comprehensive. We audit the labels, and the bottles as well to ensure that your e-liquid is properly and safely packaged.

Our retail members commit to carrying hardware that follows all applicable safety regulations and ensuring their claims and marketing are true and honest.

Integrity. Quality. Safety. These are the cornerstones. ECTA members pay to be audited and verified. When there are so many questions on vapour products, having this level of care makes our members trustworthy.

Check out our Member Directory at http://www.ectaofcanada.com/directory/ for a list of businesses that are committed to help protect our industry.

Welcome to the first edition of ECTA’s new newsletter; The Standard!

ECTA news and announcements. Industry issues and goings on. Events coverage and just plain old vaping information. While our primary focus is always regulatory issues, we plan to make sure we have a little bit of everything for everyone, members or not, from manufacturers, to retailers, to consumers and non vapers alike!

Heck; we might even occasionally print something of interest to an MP or a Legislator!

Feel free to print this newsletter (It’s formatted for double sided print jobs) for your manufacturing break rooms or your retail shop counter. Send it to Aunt Gertude or Uncle Bob, or make a staffer sign up for the soon to be programmed Mail-Chimp release notifications. There are no secrets here.

See you soon!

-ed.