Hi, all,
ECITA has today published its first quarterly update. The intention is to produce regular updates covering the latest developments in each area. We shall be taking a bound copy of this first issue to Brussels this week, so watch this space….
Since the book itself is too big to post here all in one go, I’ll post it as separate sections. (You can find the whole pdf document at the ECITA website.) Section 1 covers “Information about ECITA and the political climate surrounding the industry”.
“Section 1
- What is ECITA?
ECITA (EU) Ltd was formed specifically to research and apply all the relevant and appropriate regulations, as codified in law, which govern the sale of electronic cigarettes. Since electronic cigarettes are neither legally-definable as medicinal products, nor as tobacco products, we worked closely with Trading Standards on discovering all the relevant regulatory law for general consumer products. These have been brought together into the Industry Standard of Excellence (ISE) guidebook, which is supplied to our members as well as to government enforcement agents, and which we use to audit our members bi-annually.
Our membership is made up of electronic cigarette vendors and manufacturers who are committed to full legal compliance and the highest possible standards of product quality, safety, customer service, and excellent business practices in all areas.
- What has ECITA achieved so far?
ECITA (EU) Ltd has improved standards across its membership, and we have seen this with non-members too, as they seek to reassure their customers. We have conducted a significant amount of testing of a wide range of eliquids, proving that there is nothing in there that is harmful, i.e. no contamination, and verifying that stated nicotine contents are correct. Joining to form ECITA has given the industry a unified ‘voice’, as evidenced by the invitation of an ECITA representative to attend meetings at the European Commission. We are enormously proud to have an internationally-respected reputation.
- What are ECITA’s goals for the future?
We would like to see strong leadership from policy makers, recognising that ecigs should be classified as general consumer products, subject to enforcement of the General Product Safety Directive and other appropriate legislation. We believe that ECITA will continue to have a role in providing self-regulation from within the industry to support government regulators in ensuring that the high standards set by ECITA’s members are replicated across the global industry.”
For those who may have found that a nauseating exercise in self-congratulation ( 
), don’t panic: Section 2 (coming next) provides a potted history of the past few years, for those who have joined our community along the way. 
Happy vaping, one and all,
Katherine