Membership Benefits .

IBVTA brings together some of the leading vendors, manufacturers, distributors, and importers in the sector and already represents more than 50 per cent of the independent market of UK manufactured and imported devices and e-liquids, making IBVTA the largest trade association in this sector. Through this, IBVTA is able offer members a wide range of member benefits.

Support with TRPR/TPD compliance and notifications

Using its membership, the IBVTA has created a collaborative framework through which TPD notifications and testing can be supported.  Critically, because the IBVTA is a not-for-profit organisation it does not seek to make any profit from regulation, therefore any charges for these services will be at cost and consequently lower than other commercial offerings. 

This collaborative framework includes:

• Assistance with ingredient disclosure from upstream flavour suppliers,
• GC/MS analyses of flavour concentrates or of e-liquid final products,
• GC/MS analyses of e-liquid final products for Molecules of Concern (MOCs),
• Toxicological review on ingredients,
• Emissions testing – e-liquids,
• Emissions testing – Hardware,
• Toxicological review on MOCs detected from emissions testing,
• Preparation of Notification Portal Database,
• Dialogue with DHSC, MHRA, DG Sante, and US FDA,
• Scientific engagement with respected independent Scientists and Medics to progress understanding.

The above process has resulted in the creation of a secure database of Toxicological Risk Assessments (TRA), available to IBVTA members to purchase at cost.  This is a collective resource and all members who have TRAs are encouraged to contribute them to the collective database.

Initially, the cost based income generated from the sale of a TRA will be returned to the IBVTA member who paid for that testing to be done to produce the TRA.  Once that member’s costs have been recovered, all future income from sales of that particular TRA would go directly to fund the work of the IBVTA.

Regulatory Support and Guidance

All IBVTA members have unlimited access to our freephone advice line. As well as answering any questions members may have regarding regulation and the wider vape industry, the advice line is there to support members on a bespoke basis for any question you may have, there is nothing you can not ask.

In addition to the advice line, IBVTA produce bespoke written guidance on regulation impacting the vape industry.

Access to the only Trading Standards Primary Authority Partnership focused on the independent vaping sector.

The Coordinated Primary Authority Partnership between the IBVTA and Kent County Council promotes consistency and fairness in the way that local councils enforce regulations. Your business can access relevant and authoritative tailored advice, gain recognition of robust compliant arrangements, be able to draw on an established and effective means of meeting business regulation and be more confident you are protecting your customers and your business.

Our PA Partnership continues to widen awareness of the need for compliance to ensure the UK’s 3.1 million users and almost 7 million smokers have confidence in the sector, and that responsible businesses like yours are not disadvantaged by your compliance. The work our PA Partnership has achieved to date has been chosen as a finalist in the 2019 Regulatory Excellence Awards, organised by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), at the Department for Business, Environment and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

IBVTA Business Supports - giving you protection and peace of mind with sector specific advice

The IBVTA Business Supports are here to help your business with any issues you have with HR, employment law, health & safety, legal, VAT or tax. However, you don’t have to wait until your business has a serious problem before you call – we are here to answer any questions you may have.

These business supports come at no extra cost to you – as an IBVTA member you’re already covered.

Industry representation

The IBVTA is supported by a dedicated secretariat and a steering committee made up of engineers, chemists, and pharmacists.  On a daily basis, the IBVTA engages constructively on behalf of all members with: the media, policy makers, regulators, the scientific community, vapers, and the general public.

Regular updates

All IBVTA members receive a regular newsletter containing the latest regulatory developments and industry news.  In addition to this IBVTA members are also informed about the latest news as and when it happens.  The IBVTA not only informs members about new regulations or developments in the industry, but also provides members with background information and guidance on the specifics of the regulations.

Due to the relationships the IBVTA has established with regulators, we are often also able to give members advance warning or notice of issues of critical importance.

Resource hub

All IBVTA members have access to a dedicated resource hub providing access to regulatory and compliance information as well as access to industry, regulatory, and scientific experts.

Business insurance

The IBVTA have partnered with Anthony Jones Insurance, who have built up a wealth of experience across all aspects of this rapidly evolving sector so you can be confident in the advice they give you and the cover they provide. Anthony Jones Insurance offers exclusive, preferential cover for IBVTA members, whether you are a retailer or a manufacturer. For more information, click here.

Events and networking

Throughout the course of the year, the IBVTA provides members with a range of opportunities to come together to engage with regulators on a wide-range of important issues.  For example, members had the opportunity to discuss proposed changes to the guidance on advertising with the Committee on Advertising Practice, and to raise their concerns on the taxation of vape products with the European Commission. Our members have met with politicians to discuss the need for a level playing field for the independent vape industry, and with Public Health England, to discuss how national campaigns can be supported by independent vape shops.

Shop finder tool

You already run a successful vape shop - with findavapeshop.com we tell more potential customers where to find you. findavapeshop.com was developed as an exclusive benefit of IBVTA membership and is the only online shop finder tool to be endorsed and linked to by public health organisations such as NHS, the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) and more.

''Member of'' logos

All IBVTA members are presented with special “member of” logos that they can use on their websites and marketing material.  In addition to this members receive “member of” removable window stickers to display in their shops and factories.

As a not-for-profit organisation IBVTA will never seek to profit financially from regulation or from our membership fees; we will only ever seek to cover our costs with any profits being ploughed back into the association for the benefit of all members.

Members will be asked to join IBVTA initially for a period of one year.  The fees* would be:

• Companies with 1 - 3 premises : £75 per month
• Companies with 4 - 10 premises: £100 per month
• Companies with 10+ premises: £150 per month 

Manufacturer and Importer member fees* are on a tiered basis and calculated according to company size:

• Tier 1 Manufacturer and Importer : £200 per month
• Tier 2 Manufacturer and Importer : £500 per month
• Tier 3 Manufacturer and Importer : £1,000 per month

*Fees listed are excluding VAT.

The IBVTA champions the excellence and longevity of the independent vape industry by representing responsible and ethical companies, and we will assist you to come on board as a member.

If there are areas of non compliance and/or areas where IBVTA can provide mentoring and support to your business, we offer an upfront business advisory service as well as all the existing member benefits. Upon joining, an initial consultation followed by a guidance plan will be agreed between your business and the IBVTA, which is then worked on for 90 days.

The guidance plan might include such things as assistance with understanding and fulfilling responsibilities under TRPR and other relevant regulations; (CE markings, nicotine warnings on liquids and devices, importer details, etc,) as well as business development advice, if appropriate.

This guidance plan will be underpinned by the IBVTA’s compliance guidance which has been developed in partnership with our Primary Authority Partner, Kent Trading Standards, as well as support from our membership benefit providers, and our own committee experts.

For more information, please contact us on 0203 909 8080 or via email at info@ibvta.org.uk

For companies that supply products and services to the independent vape industry, joining the only trade association in the UK which is focused on the independent vape industry comes with two crucial and immediate benefits.

Firstly, you can demonstrate to your potential customers that you are committed to their industry.

Secondly, through the IBVTA’s activities, associate membership ensures your business keeps up-to-date with the needs of your customers and gives you the opportunity to interact with them.

Support and guidance

IBVTA Associate members have access to a dedicated contact within the IBVTA’s Secretariat. The contact is there to support on a bespoke basis for any questions you may have, there is nothing you can not ask.

Industry representation

The IBVTA is supported by a dedicated secretariat and a steering committee made up of engineers, chemists, and industry experts. On a daily basis, IBVTA engages constructively on behalf of all members with: the media, policy makers, regulators, the scientific community, vapers, and the general public. Associate members’ interests will be included in the IBVTA’s engagement with our external stakeholders.

Knowledge sharing

Associate members will receive the IBVTA’s regular member’s newsletter. In addition to this IBVTA Associate members are also informed about the latest news as and when it happens. The IBVTA not only informs members about new regulations or developments in the industry, but also provides members with background information and guidance on the specifics of the regulations.

Due to the relationships IBVTA has established with regulators, IBVTA is often also able to give members advance warning or notice of issues of critical importance.

Associate members will be invited to the IBVTA’s AGM – as well as other member meetings and events organised throughout the year. These meetings present the opportunity to network with the key influencers in this growing industry and to participate in and learn from discussions shaping the UK’s independent vape industry.

Credibility

Associate members are entitled to carry the IBVTA associate member logo on their company letterhead, website and marketing materials thereby giving clients and prospects the assurance of dedication to the UK’s independent vape industry. In addition, all associate members will be listed with their full contact details on the IBVTA website.

Cost of IBVTA Associate Membership is offered annually on a tiered basis, depending on the nature of the business.

Tier one – suitable for product suppliers (hardware manufacturers, etc.) – £1,000 + VAT per month.

Tier two – suitable for business suppliers (ingredients, flavour suppliers, nicotine suppliers, machinery, labelling, logistics, professional services, laboratory services, etc.) – £1,000 + VAT per annum.

For more information, please contact us on 0203 909 8080 or via email at info@ibvta.org.uk