Standard operating procedure for the determination of flavouring agents in e-liquids using non-targeted analysis: gas chromatography mass spectrometry: WHO TobLabNet official method SOP 16

Overview

WHO TobLabNet SOP16 is a new analytical method and standard operating procedure for the determination of flavouring agents in e-liquids using non-targeted analysis — gas chromatography mass spectrometry. It is a WHO Technical Product (i.e. an initiative developed or undertaken by WHO that is of benefit either globally or to many countries in many regions), to support countries in strengthening tobacco product regulation and thus the implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This is in response to Member States’ request to WHO to provide technical leadership in tobacco product testing. The SOP operationalizes the recommendation of the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation (TobReg) and is available to all countries to acquire information on flavouring agents in e-liquids in their markets.

WHO TobLabNet SOP 16 was prepared by the No Tobacco Unit of the Health Promotion Department of the World Health Organization and members of the WHO Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet) in cooperation with member laboratories of the European Joint Action on Tobacco Control as an analytical standard operating procedure for the determination of flavouring agents in e-liquids using non-targeted analysis — gas chromatography mass spectrometry. This method is suitable for the identification of the main analytes present in e-liquids and for an optional verification and semi-quantitative assessment of the identified analytes by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection and will fill a very important regulatory gap.