Are you planning an overseas vacation? In the midst of buying plane tickets, renewing your passport and having your vaccinations, there may be one thing you have overlooked: how will you handle vaping while travelling?
As vaping is rapidly becoming more popular as a much healthier alternative to smoking, new considerations are emerging. Read on for what you need to know about travelling as a vaper.
Why is it important to be aware while travelling as a vaper?
If you live in the US or the UK, you are probably accustomed to being able to vape with little restrictions, as long as you are over 18. However this is not the case everywhere in the world. Vaping is subject to strict regulations in some count
If you want to avoid having your favourite e-cigarette or e-liquid confiscated by customs, being fine, or even getting into legal trouble overseas, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations around vaping of the country you are planning to visit.
Vaping Regulations in Various Countries
UK
Vaping in the UK is governed by a comprehensive set of regulations called the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). These rules guarantee certain standards of quality for vaping products sold in the country and discourage under-age vaping, as well as promoting open communication of information to consumers. The regulations mostly concern the specifics of vaping equipment which can be legally sold (such as tank capacity, volume of e–liquid refill containers and nictotine strength of e-liquid), as well as product labelling and packaging.
These regulations do not have many limiting effects on vapers aged over 18, and vaping remains popular and widespread in the UK. Various institutions such as Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have publically endorsed vaping as being much safer than smoking cigarettes, and recommended it as a method to help smokers quit.
USA
Sale and use of e-cigarettes is legal for those over 18 in the USA. Their sale and marketing is subject to strict regulations by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and under the Tobacco Control Act. These restrictions including advertising controls, labelling requirements, and a number of measures to prevent minors from accessing and using e-cigarettes. Some vaping brands have even indicated they plan to introduce age-verifying technology to their products. If you are visiting the US as an adult, however, you should have no concerns with vaping there.
Canada
Canada is an interesting case, because vaping is technically illegal to sell, but this law is essentially not enforced and vaping equipment in widely available across the country. Nevertheless, it is probably wiser to leave your e-cigarette at home if flying to Canada.
Australia
The laws and regulations relating to vaping vary across different states and territories, but at a national level the importation of e-cigarettes and related products is banned unless approved by Australian authorities in advance.
European Union
The European Commission has adopted the same Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) rules which apply in the UK. The laws and regulations which apply, however, vary across different member countries. In Belgium, for example, vaping products are available for sale across the country to those 16 years and older. In other countries such as France and Croatia, vaping is prohibited in certain public spaces.
Other Countries
E-cigarettes are completely banned in some countries, including Brazil, Singapore and Uruguay, with the importation of these products banned in other countries such as Argentina.
Other Considerations For Vaping While Travelling
How to Pack Your E-Cigarette
Thanks to terrorism, airport security can be extremely strict these days. This means that you need to be careful about how you pack your e-cigarette, e-liquid, and other vaping accessories. Before you head to the airport, check your airline’s requirements for items which can be packed in carry-on or checked in baggage. You will likely be able to take all of your vaping equipment, but may need to pack it in your carry on or checked baggage specifically, and this may be different for different elements, such as the e-cigarette, e-liquid and batteries.
You may also find that your vaping equipment will be flagged at security. As long as you have followed your airline’s regulations this shouldn’t be a problem, but it is a good idea to allow extra time to pass through security to allow for this. They will be sure to remind you before take off, but vaping is generally prohibited on commercial flights, so you will need to wait until you land!
Plan Ahead
If you are planning a long trip (and to a country where you will be able to take your vape kit with you) you will want to plan ahead. Just because vaping is legal, doesn’t mean you will be able to buy your favourite e-liquid there, or have any assurance the product you buy there is of high quality. Vaping equipment and accessories sold in the UK and US are subject to strict government regulations, so you can be confident you are buying a quality product, but this is not the case in many countries. Be sure to order enough e-liquid to see you through your trip, such as through your favourite UK vaping company, and allow plenty of time for your order to arrive before you jet off!
