Nicotine Liquid – a comprehensive information package for retailers
This page is intended for retailers of nicotine products, founders of specialty stores, and those considering the industry. We do not present products or an online store, but rather offer neutral and clear basic information about nicotine liquids and their sale in Finland.
Note. Legislation may change – stay up to date or let us handle it for you.
What is nicotine liquid and what does it consist of?
Nicotine liquid is a vaporizable liquid used with an electronic cigarette, which produces vapor inhaled by the user. It is also known as e-liquid. The flavors allowed in Finland are tobacco flavor or unflavored. Nicotine liquid contains 3–4 main ingredients.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Role: Facilitates vaporization and enhances the delivery of nicotine and flavor
- Properties: Tasteless, odorless, thin consistency
- In everyday life: In foodstuffs (E1520), cosmetics
- Advantages: Less residue on the atomizer, fast heating
Glycerol (VG)
- Role: Produces vapor and softens the mouthfeel
- Properties: Slightly sweet, thick consistency
- In everyday life: In toothpaste, skin creams, foodstuffs (E422)
- Advantages: Soft mouthfeel, abundant vapor production
Nicotine
- Maksimi: 20mg/ml Suomessa
- Vaihtoehto: Saatavilla myös nikotiiniton (0mg/ml)
- Muodot: Freebase-nikotiini tai nikotiinisuola
- Maximum: 20mg/ml in Finland
- Option: Also available nicotine-free (0mg/ml
- Forms: Freebase nicotine or nicotine salt
PG/VG Mixing Ratios and Their Significance
| Ratio | Purpose | Atomizer Resistance | Vapor Production |
| 50/50 | Most common, balanced | 1.0-2.0 ohms | Moderate |
| 70/30 | For sub-ohm devices | Under 1.0 ohms | Abundant |
| 80/20 | Maximum vapor | 0.5 ohms or below | Very abundant |
| 100/0 | Competition use | Under 0.5 ohms | Maximum |
Rule of thumb: The more VG, the more vapor. The more PG, the stronger the throat hit and flavor.
Choosing the Right Nicotine Liquid for the Customer
- Freebase: If the customer wants a pure flavor and uses more powerful devices
- Nicotine Salt: If the customer wants a higher concentration with a soft delivery
- Combination: A compromise between the two
It depends on the customer’s background and device:
- Former smokers: Start with 6-12mg/ml
- Sub-ohm devices: Lower concentrations (3-6mg/ml)
- Pod devices: Higher concentrations (12-18mg/ml)
- 50/50: A universal choice for most
- 70/30 or higher VG: If the customer wants a lot of vapor
- Higher PG: If the customer wants a stronger throat hit
Storage and Handling
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 15-25°C
- Avoid: Direct light (nicotine darkens)
- Shelf life: Usually 2 years from manufacture
Effects of Temperature
- Winter: Nicotine liquid thickens → favor more fluid liquids
- Summer: Liquid remains fluid → can use thicker VG-weighted liquids
Safety
- If it gets on skin → wash immediately
- Allergic symptoms possible → direct to a doctor
- Keep out of reach of children
Legislation and Sales Requirements
- Tobacco flavored
- Unflavored
- All other flavors are forbidden
- Sales permit is required (same as for e-cigarettes)
- Strict 18-year age limit
- No online sales – only physical store sales
- Maximum nicotine concentration of 20mg/ml
- Maximum 10ml per trip
- Only for personal use
- Not for under 18s
- Maximum concentration of 20mg/ml
Recycling and Disposal
Empty Bottles
- Into energy waste (not into plastic packaging collection due to nicotine residues)
Expired Nicotine Liquid
- Into hazardous waste (not down the drain!)
Pods/Cartridges
- Recycling boxes at R-kioski stores for free recycling
Would you like to discuss how to choose the right product selection?
We have extensive experience in the sales performance and customer preferences of different types of nicotine liquids. We help build a sensible selection that serves various customer groups, suits different device types, complies with regulations, and optimizes cash flow.