AFNOR Certification, in a press release, announced that e-liquid manufacturers may receive certification approval provided that the standard AFNOR XP D90-300-2 published in 2015 is respected. Manufacturers will then be allowed to display the quality-mark “E-liquid Certified by AFNOR Certification” on their products, a world first in the vaping market.
“The criteria are based on the most legitimate reference to date: AFNOR XP D90-300-2 standard, published in 2015”
For the first time, a certification for e-liquids comply with quality, security and information requirements of the EU Tobacco Products Directive, effective on May 20, 2016.
To obtain the certification, the manufacturer will have to comply with certain rules, among which compliance with the AFNOR standard XP D90-300-2 and annual quality and security audits during which random samples of e-liquids will be analyzed along the distribution chain, from the manufacturer’s laboratory down to the shops. Hundreds of criteria will be checked.
Quality and security
Dyes, carcinogens, mutagens, toxic substances, diacetyl, formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde and even heavy metals will be part of the analytical screening. The formulation will also be checked, especially for nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetal glycerine and alcohol concentrations. Finally, microbiological assays will attest of the origin of some ingredients to avoid the use of pharmaceutical substances.
Squeeze bottles and integrated drip systems will also be inspected for child-safety as well as for the absence of harmful chemicals, like BPA.
Detailed information and user instructions
Manufacturing date, expiry date, country of origin and detailed information on each constituents in decreasing order will be carefully checked, as well as mentions on allergens contained in the product. Finally, a particular attention will be given to security and safety instructions, instructions for users (handling, conservation and procedures in case of ingestion or contact), mandatory pictograms and labels and on the accuracy of contacts information (phone numbers, addresses, internet sites).
Excell Laboratory and counselling, with its 20-year experience in the oenological domain, will be in charge of chemical and biological measurements. Their analytical expertise has recently been expanded to cover e-liquid specific measurements, including flavors and the quality of emissions.
