Vaping product regulation

How vaping is regulated federally

Vaping products produced, advertised, imported or sold in Canada are subject to the following regulations:

Tobacco and Vaping Products Act

The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) became law on May 23, 2018. Adults can now legally get vaping products with nicotine.

The TVPA replaces the Tobacco Act, which governed how tobacco products were:

sold
labelled
produced
promoted

While continuing to govern tobacco products, the TVPA creates laws for vaping products. It:

protects youth from nicotine addiction and from incentive to use tobacco and vaping products
allows adults to access vaping products as a less harmful alternative to smoking

Key elements of the TVPA related to vaping include:

not allowing vaping products to be sold or given to anyone under 18 years of age
not allowing the sale of vaping products that appeal to youth in how they look or work
setting rules about promoting vaping products, including:
- not promoting flavours that appeal to youth
- not misleading consumers about the health effects of these products
giving us the ability to make rules about:
- industry reporting
- manufacturing standards
- product and packaging labelling (for example, health warning messages)
banning the use of certain ingredients

For more information about the TVPA, contact the Tobacco Control Directorate by email at hc.tcp.questions-plt.sc@canada.ca. Please also visit our consultation summary on proposals to regulate vaping products.

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

Vaping products that don't make health claims are governed by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). The CCPSA allows us to:

carry out inspections
order recalls or other measures

Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001

Vaping liquids are also subject to the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR), 2001.

For information about the CCPSA or the CCCR, contact hc.tcp.questions-plt.sc@canada.ca. You may also report a product or consult the Guidance on Vaping Products not Marketed for a Therapeutic Use.

Food and Drugs Act

The Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and its regulations apply to vaping products that make a health claim (help quit smoking). This includes products that contain nicotine or any other drugs as defined by the FDA. These products must receive an authorization from Health Canada before they can be:

advertised
sold in Canada
commercially imported

Before issuing a market authorization, Health Canada carefully reviews the evidence provided by the product sponsor. This review is done to confirm the product meets safety, efficacy and quality requirements. A valid site licence from Health Canada is also required before a vaping product in Canada can be:

labelled
imported
packaged
manufactured

Notice: Implications of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act for the Health Products Regulated Under the Food and Drugs Act

Contact:

Therapeutic Products Directorate at hc.policy.bureau.enquiries.sc@canada.ca
- for the review process and regulation of prescription health products under the Food and Drug Regulations
Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate at hc.nnhpd-dpsnso.sc@canada.ca
- for the authorization of non-prescription drugs as well as product and site licences for natural health products

Non-smokers' Health Act

The Non-smokers' Health Act (NSHA) addresses the issue of second-hand smoke and vapour. This Act applies to federally regulated workplaces, such as:

banks
ferries
commercial aircraft
federal government offices

For more information about the NSHA, contact the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada.

Other laws regulating vaping

Provincial, territorial and municipal laws also regulate vaping products and their use.

For information on how your province, territory or municipality regulates vaping products, contact your local:

health department
provincial, territorial and municipal government

Information for the vaping industry

For more information
Proposed Vaping Products Labelling and Packaging Regulations Health Canada’s Letter to Vaping Product Retailers Prohibitions and Penalties under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act Consultation - Reducing Youth Access and Appeal of Vaping Products: Potential Regulatory Measures Consultation - Potential measures to reduce the impact of vaping products advertising on youth and non-users of tobacco products Report a product Product recalls and alerts Battery safety Electrical product safety Buying consumer products online Safe storage of vaping product liquids 10 Ways to Reduce Risks to Your Health When Using Cannabis Health Canada Statement on Use of Vaping Products by Youth Talking with your teen about vaping: a tip sheet for parents

For more information

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