- Mandatory Elements Under Regulatory Frameworks
Different countries impose varying degrees of regulatory strictness on e-cigarette labeling, and compliance is the top design priority.
In China, according to the Administrative Measures for E-Cigarettes and national standard GB 41700-2022, labels must include mandatory warning statements. The warning area must cover at least 30% of the label’s main display panel, with a minimum font height of 2.0 mm. Warnings must clearly state messages such as “Smoking is harmful to health” and “Minors are prohibited from using this product.” Misleading terms like “healthy” or “safe” are strictly prohibited.
In the European Union, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) requires text-and-image warnings to cover 65% of the packaging, including specific health risk messages such as “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.” Labels must also disclose ingredients, nicotine concentration (in mg/ml), and emission levels.
In the United States, the FDA requires even more detailed labeling. Products must be clearly labeled as either containing or not containing nicotine. Nicotine-containing products must carry addiction warnings and include the FDA registration number. For cross-border sales, both export and import country standards must be followed. For example, products sold in Southeast Asia must not only use local languages but also comply with the ASEAN Tobacco Control Framework, including graphic health warnings (e.g., images of lung damage).
- Information Hierarchy and Readability Design
Label content should follow a clear information hierarchy, prioritizing critical messages for quick recognition.
Basic information layer: Should include product name, brand logo, batch number, expiration date, and manufacturer information. The batch number should use a traceable coding system (e.g., including production date and line number).
Core warning layer: Highlight nicotine content (e.g., “Contains 5% nicotine”), age restriction (e.g., “Not for sale to persons under 18”), and health warnings. These should use bold font, with minimum font size equivalent to 8pt, and maintain at least 3mm spacing from surrounding text.
Ingredient labeling: Use a bilingual format with international common names and Chinese translations (e.g., “Nicotine”, “Propylene Glycol, and indicate the proportion of each ingredient. For flavored products, list specific additives (e.g., “Menthol”, “Vanillin”), and avoid misleading terms like “all natural” or “harmless.”
Readability: Avoid overly stylized fonts (e.g., italics or script). Use legible typefaces like Arial or SimSun, with line spacing at least 1.2x, ensuring readability for elderly users or those with visual impairments.
- Visual Compliance and Risk Management
Visual design must strictly avoid appeal to minors, which is a red line in global regulations:
Color scheme: Avoid child-attracting colors like bright yellow or pink. Use low-saturation tones such as charcoal gray or navy blue. No gradients or fluorescent effects are allowed.
Graphics: Prohibited elements include cartoons, toy-like icons, or celebrity images. The EU bans any visual symbols implying reduced harm (e.g., green leaves, smiling faces). The FDA also forbids terms like “light” or “mild,” which may downplay risks.
Layout principles: Prioritize warning visibility. Warnings must be on the main front-facing panel and occupy no less than 40% of its area, and they must not be folded or covered.
Irregular packaging: For curved devices or mini-sized packaging, ensure the label can fully present all required information when unfolded. Avoid placing text near seams or folds to prevent blurring or breakage.
Product differentiation: Design must clearly distinguish e-cigarettes from food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals. Avoid terms like “energy” or “refreshing,” which may resemble energy drinks.
- Material & Printing Process Adaptation
Label materials must ensure both durability and safety:
Substrate selection: Use abrasion- and heat-resistant materials such as BOPP film or PET laminated paper, with thickness ≥ 0.12mm to withstand daily handling.
Water resistance: For refillable devices, labels should have waterproof coating to prevent smudging from e-liquid leakage.
Printing process: Must comply with food-contact safety standards. Use eco-friendly inks free of benzene solvents, and ensure RoHS certification to prevent harmful chemical migration.
Special environments:
In cold markets (e.g., northern regions), use anti-freeze inks that won’t crack below -10°C.
For high-contact areas (e.g., device shaft labels), conduct abrasion tests (e.g., no visible fading after 500 rubs).
Adhesion strength must meet industry standards: minimum 3N/25mm to prevent curling or peeling during transport or use.
- Dynamic Compliance and Risk Forecasting
Since e-cigarette regulations are constantly evolving, label design must allow for flexible updates:
Modular layout: Reserve at least 15% blank space for future additions (e.g., “second-hand vapor warning” now required in some countries starting 2024).
Version tracking system: Keep records of all label changes, including reference documents (e.g., regulation codes, effective dates), to ensure traceability and readiness for inspections.
