European Union diplomats agreed a proposal to regulate e-cigarettes, removing the last hurdle to a comprehensive package of rules for tobacco products that will ban menthols but spare slims, according to media accounts.

A panel representing member states was sent the section on e-cigarettes because reconciliation talks had agreed on everything but how to regulate the vapor maker.
Slim cigarettes would not be removed from the market, as had been proposed, according to a report on the website of the European Voice. Graphic warnings covering 65 per cent of packages of cigarettes, RYO pouches and other tobacco products were approved, Reuters reported.
Cross-border sales, which include online merchandise, may be banned by some member states, the Voice reported. A track and trace system to combat illicit product was approved.
Prohibiting menthol cigarettes is part of a ban on characterising flavours. Menthols were granted a four year phase-out period after the new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is approved. Tobacco product makers will be directed to report on additives use in their products within 18 months once the final TPD is approved, the Voice reported.
Refillable e-liquid cartridges will not be banned, as had been proposed, and the cap on the size for e-liquid carts was raised to 2 ml from 1 ml previously agreed in reconciliation talks, the European Voice reported. According to Reuters, the European Commission was given authority to impose a future ban on refillable cartridges if three member states impose a ban.
Nicotine content in e-cigarettes would be limited to 20 mg/ml, the Voice reported. So called ‘liptstick’ packaging designed to appeal to youth would be banned, according to the Voice.
Next year the compromise TPD will be voted on in the European Parliament. The Directive could take effect two years after that, in 2016. The menthol ban would follow four years later.