EU-wide baseline: what “empty hardware” must comply with

• TPD scope (nicotine focus): The EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) sets nicotine limits and labelling/notification rules for e-cigarettes. Its definition covers devices “that can be used for consumption of nicotine-containing vapour,” but the Article 20 obligations primarily bite when nicotine products are placed on the market. Empty shells still need to respect other EU product laws. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• GPSR (product safety): From 13 Dec 2024 the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies to non-food consumer products, tightening risk assessment, traceability, and online marketplace duties (think: importer info on pack, incident response, recalls). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• RoHS + CE marking: Because empty devices are electrical/electronic equipment (EEE), they must meet hazardous-substance limits under RoHS and carry the CE mark as evidence of conformity. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• WEEE (e-waste/EPR): Importers/“producers” must register and finance take-back/recycling in each Member State where devices are placed on the market. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542: New, phased obligations for portable batteries inside devices (labelling, QR/product passport, information & due diligence over time). Align pack labels and technical files accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Transport of lithium cells (UN 38.3): For air/road freight, every battery type must have a current UN 38.3 Test Summary available to shippers and authorities. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Reminder: We sell empty, unbranded Muha-style shells only—no oil, no nicotine/THC, no official affiliation.

Country snapshots (importing disposable empty AIOs)

France: Nationwide ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) took effect 26 Feb 2025. Importing single-use devices for sale to the French market is therefore prohibited. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Belgium: First EU country to ban disposable e-cigarette sales from 1 Jan 2025. Importing disposables for the Belgian market is not permitted. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Netherlands: Cross-border online sales of e-cigarettes without nicotine to Dutch consumers are banned since 1 Jan 2024; flavour restrictions also tightened in 2024. B2B import of empty devices for domestic distribution must still meet GPSR/RoHS/WEEE/Battery rules. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Germany: No national ban at the time of writing, but the Bundestag has asked the government to examine a disposable-vape ban; watch this space. WEEE (Stiftung EAR) and standard product/battery rules apply. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Spain & Italy: No outright ban on disposables at EU level; both countries implement TPD rules and additional national measures (e.g., Spain is updating RD 579/2017; Italy has tightened online sales for nicotine e-cigs). Always ensure EPR/WEEE registration locally. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

IP & customs: avoid any branding risks

Even for empty shells, do not import devices or packaging that bear protected third-party marks. EU customs can detain goods suspected of IP infringement under Regulation (EU) No 608/2013; 2024–2025 data show large volumes of detentions. Keep SKUs unbranded (your own OEM artwork only). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Compliance checklist before you book freight

1. Technical file covering risk assessment (GPSR), instructions/safety info, and EU-based economic operator details. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. RoHS conformity + CE mark on device/pack; retain a Declaration of Conformity. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. WEEE/EPR registration in your destination country and proper markings (crossed-out wheeled bin). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
4. Batteries Reg 2023/1542 readiness (labels/QR/product passport phased-in per category & dates). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
5. UN 38.3 test summary on file for each cell type, aligned with your exact device. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
6. Market-specific sale rules: do not ship single-use devices for sale into France or Belgium; respect Dutch cross-border online-sale restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

FAQ

Are empty shells exempt from EU law? No. They are still consumer electrical products: GPSR, RoHS/CE, WEEE and the new Batteries Regulation apply even without nicotine. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Can I import into France/Belgium for re-export? Transit may be possible under customs control, but placing single-use devices on those markets is banned—discuss routing with your broker. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

What about shipping paperwork? Make sure your forwarder has the lithium battery UN 38.3 Test Summary and correct UN numbers/packing instructions; airlines and ground carriers check these. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}