MHR Ban Letter
The MHRA is supposedly holding a consultation into the best options for dealing with the electronic ciagrette. However, according to one leaked letter from Trading Standards the MHRA has come to a decision even before the end of this consultaition. (When contacted, the MHRA admitted the letter was authentic but claimed the author was mistaken.)
This letter has been transcribed - Click here for the original ban letter (PDF).
29th July 2010
Dear Mr Kitt
Our Ref: MA 014810
MHRA (Medicines and Health products Health Regulatory Agency) Consultation
As we discussed during our visit back in June, the MHRA have been in consultation over whether electronic cigarettes should be classed as medical products and regulated as such. I have been in discussions with other Trading Standards authorities and have found out that the consultation is almost complete. The outcome will be that as of a date (yet to be announced) there will be a 21 days period and then these products will be outright banned in the UK, unless the traders apply for a certification as a medical device from the MHRA. This process could be costly and complicated so it is expected that many traders may cease trading.
MHRA will be enforcers for any existing products, and I suggest you keep a close eye on their website and/ or contact them for further advice. The consultation numbers, so you can have a close look is MLX364.
I hope this information is of use to you.
Yours sincerely
Helen Wale
Trading Standards Officer