End the 2.0ml Restriction on Refillable Vape Pods Across the EU

We, the undersigned, hereby petition the European Union to urgently reconsider and amend the 2.0ml pod size restriction for refillable vape pods in the context of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), a regulation that impacts vapers across all EU member states. As vapers, we understand the need for balanced regulation to reduce potential harm to public health. However, the current 2.0ml pod size restriction for refillable devices does not serve its intended purpose of reducing nicotine consumption or harm. Instead, it creates increased inconvenience for users by requiring more frequent refills and offering less flexibility to those who prefer refillable systems, which are more economical, customizable, and environmentally friendly. Key Points of the Petition: Increased Inconvenience for Responsible Users: Refilling a 2.0ml pod multiple times throughout the day is a minor inconvenience that users who choose refillable systems are already willing to accept. However, limiting the pod capacity does not reduce consumption—it simply forces users to top off more frequently. Refillable Pods Already Require Maintenance: Users of refillable pods are already responsible for cleaning and refilling their devices, making them more invested in their vaping experience. The current regulations unnecessarily penalize responsible vapers by restricting pod capacity, which does not achieve any health-related benefit. Non-Refillable Disposables Should Bear the Burden of Restriction: The intention of limiting e-liquid consumption makes sense for disposable, non-refillable pods, which cannot be refilled by the user. These pods, often marketed as single-use devices, should have a strict volume limit. Instead of restricting refillable pods, the focus should be on disposable products, where consumption can be more effectively controlled. Lack of Effective Regulation on Disposable Vapes: Many disposable vapes are sold with high nicotine concentrations, and the current regulations fail to effectively limit these products, which can be more harmful due to their easy-to-use, non-refillable nature. We believe that restrictions should be shifted toward disposables rather than refillable systems that can be maintained and controlled by responsible users. EU-Wide Impact: While this petition may be based in one EU country, it addresses a widespread issue affecting vapers across all EU member states. This regulation, which is part of the TPD, is applied uniformly across Europe. Therefore, it is critical that the European Union as a whole revisits and revises this regulation to better meet the needs of vapers while still maintaining public health standards. Our Request: We respectfully request that the European Union: Lifts the 2.0ml pod size restriction on refillable pods in favor of allowing greater flexibility for users who choose refillable systems. Focuses future restrictions on disposable non-refillable vapes instead, as these products cannot be refilled and present a greater risk of overconsumption. Prioritizes user responsibility and the principle that refillable pod users are already actively involved in managing their consumption through regular pod maintenance. By revisiting the current regulation, the EU can enable vapers to make responsible, informed choices without unnecessary restrictions, while still ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Conclusion: The current regulation, while well-meaning, fails to achieve its desired outcome of reducing harm, and instead restricts the choices of responsible vapers. It is time for the European Union to rethink the restrictions on refillable pods and ensure that regulations align more effectively with the realities of vaping and consumer choice. We urge the European Union to take action, revise the Tobacco Products Directive, and move toward a more pragmatic, consumer-friendly approach to vaping regulation.