BACKGROUND-AIM:
The Public Health Agency of Sweden serves as the national market surveillance authority for electronic cigarettes, tobacco products, and herbal smoking products. Its mandate is to ensure compliance with legal requirements, protect consumer health and maintain fair competition. Market surveillance is conducted postmarket, with economic operators responsible for compliance. While voluntary corrections are encouraged, enforcement measures such as injunctions and prohibitions may be applied when necessary. The market for electronic cigarettes and refill containers is highly dynamic, driven by rapid innovation in flavors, design, and technology, often targeting young consumers. In 2025, the Agency prioritized monitoring these products to ensure compliance with design and content requirements.

METHODS:
Inspections targeted electronic cigarettes and refill containers sold through physical and online retailers on the Swedish market. Products were procured and assessed for technical specifications and chemical composition. Compliance was verified against national and EU legislation regarding maximum permissible liquid volume, nicotine concentration, and ingredient declarations. Accredited independent laboratories performed analyses using the following approaches: • Fill mass determination: a gravimetric method was applied by weighing intact samples, removing the liquid, rinsing, drying, and reweighing to calculate e-liquid mass • Density determination: e-liquid was collected, weighed and measured at 20 °C to determine the mass-to-volume ratio • Nicotine concentration analysis: conducted according to Health Canada official method T-301:2017 (modified), based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

RESULTS:
Several products were prohibited for exceeding the legal maximum liquid volume, confirmed through design assessment or laboratory analysis. Approximately 75 % of the analyzed products exceeded the legal maximum liquid volume. Regulatory action also targeted products containing 6-methylnicotine (Metatin), a synthetic alkaloid marketed as NoNic or AltNic. Scientific assessment concluded that 6-methylnicotine falls under the statutory definition of nicotine, subjecting these products to full regulatory requirements, including notifications, product standards, labelling and health warnings.

CONCLUSIONS:
Findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and enforcement to ensure compliance, protect consumers and maintain fair competition. Ongoing monitoring and information efforts are essential to address emerging risks, including novel products and nicotine-like substances.