Nicotine and the TPD: limits, formats and labels of e-liquids
Last updated: 18 October 2026.
A reminder for resellers of the rules that apply to nicotine e-liquids. It is information for the trade, not legal advice: for special cases refer to the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency or to your advisor.
Which rules apply to nicotine e-liquids?
The European Tobacco Products Directive, 2014/40/EU (the TPD), Article 20. Italy transposed it with Legislative Decree no. 6 of 12 January 2016.
What is the maximum nicotine strength?
20 mg/ml, nicotine-salt e-liquids included.
Which formats are allowed?
- nicotine refill bottles: at most 10 ml;
- disposable e-cigarettes, prefilled pods and single-use cartridges: tanks of at most 2 ml;
- nicotine-free liquids (Mix & Vape, vape shots, neutral bases) do not have the 10 ml limit, because the directive covers nicotine e-liquids.
What must the packaging have?
- child-resistant and tamper-evident closure, protection against breakage and leakage;
- a leaflet with instructions for use and storage, contra-indications, warnings, adverse effects, addictiveness and toxicity, and the manufacturer's contact details;
- on the pack: the list of ingredients, the nicotine content, the batch number and the recommendation to keep the product out of reach of children;
- the warning "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. It is not recommended for use by non-smokers." on 30% of the two largest surfaces (in Italy, in Italian).
What is the TPD notification?
Every nicotine e-liquid is notified to the authorities at least six months before it is placed on the market, through the European EU-CEG portal; in Italy the notification is handled by the Ministry of Health. Registered customers download the notifications of the products we sell from the TPD notifications page.
What is different in Italy: tax stamp and consumption tax
In Italy every pack of e-liquid, with or without nicotine, carries the stamp of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, and a consumption tax is due on the product. Our invoices show the tax separately, and we pay it as the authorised fiscal representative (code UDPLI0002RF).
Who may sell e-liquids in Italy?
- tobacconists, with the licence to sell monopoly goods;
- specialist shops holding the authorisation of the Customs and Monopolies Agency to sell e-liquids;
- distance selling to consumers is banned for nicotine e-liquids; nicotine-free e-liquids may be sold online only by authorised warehouses.
Where are the product documents?
Safety data sheets and certifications on the Certifications and SDS page, TPD notifications on TPD notifications, manuals on User manuals: they are reserved to registered customers. To mix bases and e-liquids, see the DIY e-liquid guide.