In the framework of the European TPD, the British Government has published a list of countries authorizing cross-border and distance sales of vaping products in the EU.
Some countries already offer administrative solutions to professionals in order to notify their products but some others, like France, have still not started the process, which creates grey zones in the market.
Member States that permit cross-border distance sales of e-cigarettes and/or tobacco products
| Member State | Cross-boarder distance sales of tobacco | Cross-border distance sales of e-cigarettes | Website for registration/contact details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | Yes | Yes | TBC |
| Denmark | Yes | Yes | Tobacco products: www.sum.dk
Ecigs:www.danishbusinessauthority.dk/retailers-e-cigarettes-cross-border-distance-sales |
| France | No | Yes | TBC |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | www.bvl.bund.de/tobacco_crossborder_registration |
| Ireland | Yes | Yes | info.tpd@hse.ie |
| Malta | Yes | Yes | TBC |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/eten-drinken-roken/dossier/roken-en-tabak/registration-form-for-cross-border-distance-sales-of-tobacco-products-electroni |
| Norway | Yes | Yes | TBC |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes | Tabac:storforetagsregionen@skatteverket.se
Ecigs: TBC |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Yes | www.gov.uk/government/publications/tobacco-products-and-e-cigarette-cross-border-sales-registration |
| Croatia | TBC* | TBC | TBC |
| Slovénia | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Iceland | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Turkey | TBC | TBC | TBC |
*TBC: to be confirmed
What does the TPD say about cross-border distance sales of tobacco products?
Member States may prohibit cross-border distance sales of tobacco products to consumers. Member States shall cooperate to prevent such sales. Retail outlets engaging in cross-border distance sales of tobacco products may not supply such products to consumers in Member States where such sales have been prohibited.
Member States which do not prohibit such sales shall require retail outlets intending to engage in cross-border distance sales to consumers located in the Union to register with the competent authorities in the Member State where the retail outlet is established and in the Member State, where the actual or potential consumers are located.
Retail outlets established outside the Union shall be required to register with the competent authorities in the Member State where the actual or potential consumers are located. All retail outlets intending to engage in cross-border distance sales shall submit at least the following information to the competent authorities when registering:
- name or corporate name and permanent address of the place of activity from where the tobacco products will be supplied;
- the starting date of the activity of offering tobacco products for cross-border distance sales to consumers by means of Information Society services;
- the address of the website or websites used for that purpose and all relevant information necessary to identify the website.
