It is vital that every one of your staff members are aware of the current regulations and actually, the future of your business depends on it!

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Fact Sheet – Flavours

Fact Sheet – Nicotine Content and Health Benefit Claims

Fact Sheet – Promotions

Fact Sheet – Youth

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act – Info Sheet

Food and Drugs – Info Sheet

• Vaping products are regulated under TVPA and CCPSA unless therapeutic health claims are made. If therapeutic health claims are made, the product automatically falls under FDA regulations.
• It is prohibited to manufacture, import, advertise, or sell a consumer product that does not meet the requirements set out in regulations under the CCPSA. Consumer Chemicals and Containers regulations apply to vaping products, and other regulations may apply.
• As an interim measure, vaping devices with refillable tanks and other vaping device parts that hold or may hold vaping liquids with nicotine have been excluded from the scope of CCCR 2001 by subsection 4(4) of the CCPSA
• All products that contain 0.1mg/g of Nicotine to 65.9mg/g of Nicotine must follow the appropriate CCCR 2001 regulations for labeling a toxic product. Sale of Nicotine products over 66mg/g is illegal.
• Vaping products are subject to CCPSA enforcement AS OF MAY 23rd^, 2018
• ALL PRODUCT ON SHELVES AT THIS TIME THAT ARE NOT COMPLIANT TO CCPSA AND CCCR,2001 STANDARDS CANNOT BE LEGALLY SOLD IN CANADA.

Enforcement of CCPSA Regulations

Enforcement of these regulations is currently in effect. Inspections are aimed at verifying compliance of a consumer product and helping to prevent non-compliance. You are encouraged to ask your inspectors questions. They can provide references and documents to help you understand your obligations.

Inspectors may:

• Inspect locations where consumer product is manufactured, imported, or sold
• Verify that industry is compliant with applicable requirements under the CCPSA and its regulations
• Work with the industry to correct or remove products from the market that are non-compliant with the law
• Verify that required records are prepared and maintained.

In situations where compliance does not seem to be met or is questionable, Health Canada Can:

• Request suppliers to test or provide studies on product to verify compliances
• Work with suppliers to carry out product recalls and to take other corrective actions
• Issue orders to stop the manufacturing, importation, sale, etc. of a product or recall a dangerous product
• Inspect products, documents, or materials
• Disclose personal or business information, under specific criteria
• Prosecute as a criminal offence or apply Administrative Monetary Penalties.

Industry Responsibilities

• All manufacturers, importers, retailers, etc. are responsible for ensuring products they bring to market comply with the CCPSA and its regulations
• Making sure the products that they manufacture, import, advertise, or sell on the Canadian market do not pose a “danger to human health or safety”
• Keeping records to allow traceability of products within the distribution chain
  • Retailers: prepare and maintain documents that indicate the name and address of the person from whom they obtained the product, the location where they sold the product and the period during which they sold the product
  • Manufactures, Importers, Advertisers, sales, and tests: prepare and maintain documents that indicate the name and address of the person from whom they obtained the product or the person to whom they sold it, or both.
  • Keep these records for 6 years after the end if they year which they relate to
• Reporting of health or safety incidents with their consumer products
  • Any occurrences in Canada or elsewhere that resulted or may reasonably have been expected to result in an individuals’ death or serious adverse effects of their health, including serious injury
  • Defect or characteristic that may reasonably be expected to result in an individuals’ death or serious adverse effects of their health, including serious injury
  • Incorrect or insufficient information on a label or in instructions, or the lack of label instructions, that may reasonably be expected to result in an individuals death or serious adverse effects on their health, including serious injury
  • A recall measure that is initiated for human health or safety reasons by another jurisdiction or regulator (i.e. a recall in the USA of a product also sold in Canada)

Online Resources

Reporting Incidents to Health Canada:

www.canada.ca/report-a-product

Health Canada Vaping Website:

www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html

Guidance for vaping products not marketed for a therapeutic use:

www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/product-safety/vaping-not-marketed-therapeutic-use.html

For more questions:

Hc.tcp.questions-plt.sc@canada.ca

Or call 1-866-318-1116 Toll Free

Updated: December 4, 2017

As we have seen by the introduction of Bill S-5, an Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-smokers’ Health Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts which will soon be the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) upon Royal Assent, the Government will begin to regulate vaping products under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).

As ECTA had determined in previous years, Health Canada’s recent Notice to Industry has stated that Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR), 2001 will be applied to e-liquid, allowing for up to 66 mg/mL to be sold under the CCPSA. Enforcement will begin upon Royal Assent of Bill S-5.

Obviously, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA) and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations (CPLR) also apply to e-liquid labeling.

This WILL become law and it is the responsibility of the manufacturer (or retailer/distributor/wholesaler that imports e-liquid for sale) to ensure that their products are compliant, or you will (literally) pay the consequences. From the TVPA (Bill-S5):

These regulations are not a joke or anything to be taken lightly. Do not expect any enforcement agencies to hold your hand or cut any slack while you gradually come into compliance. Being “close” on these regulations is still a failure and enforcement agencies may issue citations and/or seize product on the spot.

The CCPSA, CPLA/R and CCCR, 2001 are not easy regulations for light reading. There is no simple list of “Must Have’s” or “Must Be’s” on a label because it really depends on the size and shape of the container. The CCPSA and CCCR, 2001 recognizes that manufacturers use many different types of containers and therefore adjusts the requirements based on that container.

With federal regulation looming and the large number of requests for assistance that we have been receiving, we must reserve assistance with CCPSA / CPLA / CPLR / CCCR, 2001 and label compliance services for our  membership.

If you need assistance with CCPSA, CPLA/R and CCCR, 2001 compliance with your products, we encourage you to Join ECTA

If you do not wish to join ECTA, we STRONGLY encourage you to hire a CCPSA, CPLA/R and CCCR, 2001 professional consulting firm for compliance assistance.

Battery Safety week was inspired by unfortunate rare incidents of Vaping Product battery mishaps around the world where more often than not, we have observed that a majority of these incidents are a direct result of improper handling and / or lack of understanding about risks and limitations of the batteries and devices being used.

These battery safety tips are a collection of common and misunderstood facts about batteries and battery (mis)handling. Much of the information has been obtained from the Battery University website, news articles and websites focused on electronics and electronics safety.

Battery Pro Tip #1: Batteries do not last forever.

If you notice that the battery doesn’t last as long as it did when you purchased it new, it’s probably time to replace it!

Batteries will eventually die, but when and how?

As the condition of a battery deteriorates, the self-discharge increases, which can develop into a sizable current between the electrodes. Similar to a seemingly harmless water leak in a faulty hydro dam that can develop into a torrent and take a structure down, so can also high self-discharge build up heat and damage the separator, leading to an electrical short. The temperature will quickly reach 500°C (932°F), at which point the cell catches fire or explodes. The thermal runaway that occurs is known as “venting with flame; “rapid disassembly” is the preferred term by the battery industry.

Typically, you should replace your batteries every 3-6 months.

 

Battery Pro Tip #2: Know the limits of your battery.

Every Li-Ion Battery has limitations on the amount of Current (Amperage) that it can safely withstand (5A, 10A, 15A,etc). Know the limitations of the battery that you are using.

Learn about and use Ohms Law with Mechanical devices to help with that calculation.

Battery Pro Tip #3: Do not use batteries with torn outer wrapper

Do NOT use batteries with signs of wear or tears in the outer cover. The cover is an insulator that prevents shorting of the battery.

While there are aftermarket products available for re-wrapping batteries with torn or worn outer wrappers, these should only be used by individuals with the knowledge and skills to analyze a battery and properly replace the wrapper. You must also be mindful of Battery Pro Tip #1: Batteries do not last forever (above).

Battery Pro Tip #4: Never place loose batteries in your pocket.

Many people will carry extra or spare batteries when they go out for extended periods of time. What must be remembered is that you should NEVER place loose batteries in your pocket, purse or bags with other loose metal objects such as coins or keys.

Always use a protective storage case. Pick one up today, free at participating retail locations in Canada during Battery Safety week.

Battery Pro Tip #5: Do not leave it unattended while charging.

As with any Li-ion Battery, you should never leave it on the charger for long periods of time while you are not around to keep an eye on the device.

This does not mean that you need to stare at the battery while it is charging, but simply that you should not go to sleep or leave the house with them charging.

Battery Pro Tip #6: Batteries must go in your carry-on when flying.

When you travel by air, the FAA requires that all Li-ion batteries be placed in your carry-on baggage.

In January, 2015, the FAA released this news article:  FAA to Airlines: E-cigs in Checked Bags are Fire Risk

 

This means that you must carry your vaping device with you through Security. The only rules currently in place by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pertains to e-liquid volumes as with any other liquid.

Battery Pro Tip #7: Extreme temperatures are bad for your battery.

Never charge your battery in sub-freezing (below 0°C / 32°F) temperatures or expose it to excessive heat for extended periods as this will damage the battery.

Battery Pro Tip #8: Know what to do if your battery overheats.

Do you know what to do?

Battery Pro Tip #9: Dispose of your battery properly

Do not dispose of batteries in your household garbage bin as they pose a significant risk of fire in landfills.

As with any battery, Li-ion batteries should be disposed of properly and most vaping product retail locations will be able to assist you with battery disposal.

You can also find a registered Drop Off Location near you at Call2Recycle.

If you have ANY questions or concerns about battery safety, please do not hesitate to Contact Us through our website.

The ECTA supports this competitiveness and creativity, however there are limits on what can and cannot be done to the product that would limit our support.  Obviously, weights and measurements are the variable.

What’s in the e-liquid?

That is one of the more common arguments that opponents to our industry use to discredit or impose scrutiny on our industry.  For that reason, the ECTA has produced a list of what is expected to be in the e-liquid as well as items that should not be used.  Our general philosophy for manufacturers is that if something does not need to be in the e-liquid, it should not be used in the e-liquids.

What can be used in e-liquid?

These are the compounds that should be used to manufacture e-liquid. These were selected because they have a very long history of studies or generally safe use for inhalation or oral ingestion:

• Propylene Glycol (USP grade)
• Vegetable Glycerin (USP grade)
• Glycerol (USP grade)
• Alcohol  (< 2%, Human consumable and pure as possible)
• Water (Distilled or Deionized)
• Flavourings (Food grade)
• Nicotine (< 3.6%, USP grade)

There has been some evidence that PDO (1,3-Propanediol) “may” be a viable substitute for Propylene Glycol but there has not been enough research for us to be able to recommend it as an ingredient for use in e-liquid.

Similarly, sweeteners such as Sucralose is not on the list above. Although there appears to be no strong evidence to indicate that it should not be used, there is significant skepticism within the scientific community. For that reason, if it is used, use as little as possible and it should be included on the Ingredients list.

What should not be used as an additive in e-liquid?

There are a number of different compounds and chemicals that should not be used as an additive in e-liquid for various reasons.

• Diacetyl (2,3-Butanedione)
• Acetyl Propionyl (2,3-Pentanedione)
• Illegal or controlled substances
• Analogs, isomers, salts and derivitives of any scheduled/controlled substance
• Vitamins or Dietary supplements
• Prescription or therapeutic medicines
• Caffeine or other oral stimulant
• Artificial Food Coloring

As the industry evolves and more information comes available, these lists may be changed.

This page contains many details, dispelled myths and facts on the care and maintenance of your Vapour Product (Electronic Cigarette) batteries. Most of this information has been extracted from the Battery University which is sponsored by Cadex Electronics Inc., a world-wide leader in battery and charger analysis. The rest is based on our knowledge and experience with vapour product usage.

The list of topics should address most concerns or questions as well as address “Do’s and Don’ts” for your batteries. The better you understand the equipment; the better satisfied you can be with the products. If however, you have additional questions about your battery that are not covered here, please let us know through our Contact Us page

1. Vaping normalizes smoking
2. Gateway to Smoking
3. Dual Use (Continuing to smoke while using vaping products)
4. Nicotine is dangerous

When we saw the title of the episode, we thought we were about to be destroyed by yet “another” media organization because they didn’t take the time to do the research. We (the small vapour product businesses in Canada) are NOT “Big Tobacco” so obviously the title was unnerving.

Were we surprised when not only it was very informative but fact based. There were a few points of contention, but we are extremely pleased to see an investigative media organization take a serious look into what this industry actually is, who its people are and who they are not. We only hope that more, true journalism will follow

While we may not realize it in the beginning, we are using and relying on Ohm’s Law when we vape. Ultimately, a Vapour Device (Electronic Cigarette) is nothing more than a Direct Current (DC) Circuit with a Resistor (Coil Head) that heats up when we turn in on.

This fact becomes more evident and CRITICAL if you evolve into building your own coils and/or work with MOD or Low Resistance Devices.

Why is this important?

Battery safety! Batteries are inherently dangerous if they are not handled properly because they are able to store a tremendous amount of power in a very small device. Every battery is "rated" for a certain amount of electrical current (Amperage) where it can safely operate, as well as a maximum lever where it becomes unsafe. These values come from the manufacturer and they are provided to ensure that the applied use of the battery does not exceed the designed capabilities.

If you only use regulated devices with built-in batteries, this is not necessarily something that you need to know or care about. But it could still be a good to know and understand what different power and voltages will do for your device.

However, if you become a more advanced or hobbyist vaper, Ohm’s Law should be used to ensure that that you have a proper battery for the atomizing device that you are using. For example: Bad things will happen if you use a battery rated for 10 amps in a device build to create 15 amps of current.

For that reason alone, it is imperative that users of advanced devices be familiar with Ohm’s Law.

Also, in the case of more advanced devices where multiple Li-ion batteries are used, it is important that all of the batteries be of the same type and rating among other things. Understanding the difference between having batteries in series vs. parallel is also a key to knowing the limitations of the battery "pack" (two or more batteries).

Below is a detailed explanation of Ohm’s Law to include relationships and formulas that should be used in doing your own calculations. Much of this information is sourced from Electronics Tutorials.

If you just want to get to the calculations, click here

Ohm’s Law

The relationship between Voltage, Current and Resistance in any DC electrical circuit was firstly discovered by the German physicist Georg Ohm. Ohm found that, at a constant temperature, the electrical current flowing through a fixed linear resistance is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it, and also inversely proportional to the resistance. This relationship between the Voltage, Current and Resistance forms the bases of Ohms Law.

Ohms Law Triangle

Here the three quantities of V (Volts), I (Current or Amps) and R (Resistance) have been superimposed into a triangle (affectionately called the Ohms Law Triangle) giving voltage at the top with current and resistance at the bottom. This arrangement represents the actual position of each quantity in the Ohms law formulas.

and transposing the above Ohms Law equation gives us the following combinations of the same equation:

Then by using Ohms Law we can see that a voltage of 1V applied to a resistor of 1Ω will cause a current of 1A to flow and the greater the resistance, the less current will flow for any applied voltage.

Electrical Power in Circuits

Electrical Power, ( P ) in a circuit is the amount of energy that is absorbed or produced within the circuit. A source of energy such as a voltage will produce or deliver power while the connected load absorbs it. Light bulbs and heaters for example, absorb power and convert it into heat or light and the higher their value or rating in watts the more power they will consume.

The quantity symbol for power is P and is the product of voltage multiplied by the current with the unit of measurement being the Watt ( W ).

The Power Triangle

Again, the three quantities have been superimposed into a triangle this time called the Power Triangle with power at the top and current and voltage at the bottom. Again, this arrangement represents the actual position of each quantity in the Ohms law power formulas.

and again, transposing the basic Ohms Law equation above for power gives us the following combinations of the same equation to find the various individual quantities:

So we can see that there are three possible formulas for calculating electrical power in a circuit. If the calculated power is positive, (+P) in value for any formula the component absorbs the power, that is it is consuming or using power. But if the calculated power is negative, (-P) in value the component produces or generates power, in other words it is a source of electrical power such as batteries and generators.

Ohms Law Pie Chart

To help us understand the relationship between the various values a little further, we can take all of Ohm’s Law equations from above for finding Voltage, Current, Resistance and Power and condense them into a simple Ohms Law pie chart for use in AC and DC circuits and calculations as shown.

Ohms Law Matrix Table

As well as using the Ohm’s Law Pie Chart shown above, we can also put the individual Ohm’s Law equations into a simple matrix table as shown for easy reference when calculating an unknown value.

Malfunctions in most regulated commercial electronic cigarette / personal vaporizing devices result in that device shutting down temporarily or permanently. Mechanical and Hybrid vaporizers (advanced devices preferred by some), require greater safety and care as they generally do not contain internal safety regulators.

The lack of federal regulation and a growing concern for consumer safety requires that ECTA take action now. While it is not within our mandate to solve every issue that the government has yet to regulate, we strongly believe the safety of consumers is not something that can wait.

In line with the above, we have released a policy that all members are expected follow. The following product classes should be accompanied with the corresponding warning (see below) as either a label/sticker or printed handout:

The policy has been implemented as follows:

To help facilitate nationwide safety, in addition to ECTA members, we are providing these materials to the entire industry, irrespective of ECTA affiliation. You may download and distribute this release from here: en | fr (being translated)

Links for just the attachments are below.

Many of the reported incidents can be attributed to improper use of or handling of the devices. Anyone considering the purchase or use of a Mechanical and Hybrid device should become educated on the aspects and inherent risks of those devices. A few resources can be found here:

Please Contact Us if you have any questions about ECTA’s Member Policy