In some countries, people are allowed to buy and consume tobacco products only when they are 18 years old, while other countries set the minimum age for buying tobacco products at 20 or 21 years old. Under these regulations, employees of physical retail stores must verify the age of young customers before transactions. In some countries, there are no restrictions on the online sale of tobacco products. In order to verify the age of online shoppers, merchants use various age verification methods.
For example, many online stores will pop up a window asking online shoppers to confirm their age. Obviously, this method depends mainly on the integrity of the shopper. Today, some foreign online stores require customers to upload photos of government-issued documents that can prove their age when registering an account.
Germany’s two-step verification method
Germany adopts a two-step verification method for online sales of tobacco products. Philip, general manager of BfTG, said: “Online stores selling tobacco products use two-step verification of user age. The first step is that users upload a photo of their ID card that can prove their age before placing an order, and the second step is that users show their ID card again when picking up the goods.”
Philip believes that the two-step verification method is relatively reliable, but he also admits that it can only play the expected effect if it is applied to the entire ordering process, including product ordering and delivery. “If one of the links is not implemented in place, there may be problems.
Any responsible businessman should protect minors. Merchants who violate regulations should bear relevant responsibilities.” Philip said, “With the advancement of technology, age verification methods will be further improved. We are open to any optimization in this area in the future.”
The EU does not yet have a unified age verification method
Like Germany, some other EU countries have also adopted similar methods. At present, the EU does not have a unified age verification method.
Carter, general manager of NGP Trends in the UK, said: “We are trying to develop an EU digital identity wallet system to provide EU citizens with a safe, reliable and privacy-enhancing digital identity identification method.” According to reports, this “digital ID card” has the potential to provide age verification methods for all EU countries, not only for tobacco products, but also for other goods with purchase age restrictions.
In the UK, the most common age verification method for online shopping is to check consumer information with the information on their electoral roll through the Internet. Carter said: “This verification method is usually provided by a third party. In addition, consumers may also be required to submit a passport with a photo, driver’s license, etc. to further enhance the verification effect.”
Japan verifies age through Taspo cards
In Japan, the sale of heated tobacco products is subject to the same legal constraints as combustible tobacco products. Japan stipulates that the minimum age for legal use of heated tobacco products is 20 years old. However, Japan has no restrictions on the nicotine content and flavors of heated tobacco products.
In Japan, both heated cigarettes and cigarettes can be purchased from vending machines using Taspo cards. Buyers must apply for a Taspo card through a dedicated website or in person at a tobacco shop and present a government-issued ID and a recent photo. Physical stores also accept the card as a method of age verification.
Taspo cards are issued free of charge and there is no annual fee. In addition to age, the card also contains information such as residential address. If the card is lost, stolen, or the card owner’s place of residence changes, the card must be replaced, which costs 1,000 yen. Currently, the card cannot be used for online purchases.
Using technologies such as Bluetooth and facial recognition
Currently, some vapes and heated cigarettes can be paired via Bluetooth with mobile devices that have an age verification program installed before they can be used. If these devices fall into the hands of someone who does not have an age verification program, they will be locked and cannot be used.
In addition, the age verification program on the mobile device can also provide further monitoring functions through GPS. When GPS data indicates that the device enters a restricted area such as a school, the application automatically locks the device so that it cannot be used. “Of course, this method adds an extra step for the user and complicates use,” Carter said.
According to reports, in order to more conveniently verify the age of the buyer, some foreign stores have now adopted facial recognition technology. The relevant system will take a photo of the buyer, and the application will calculate his age based on facial features.
“It should be said that many age verification methods cannot be 100% effective. There may be minors using adult IDs to buy tobacco products, and there may be irresponsible adults who buy tobacco products for minors.” Carter said, “From manufacturers to retailers, we must fully consider how to truly protect minors.”
For the Guutuu vape brand, ensuring product compliance and protecting minors is a vital responsibility. As countries around the world continue to strengthen regulations on the age of tobacco product sales, age verification technology has become particularly important. Countries have adopted different age verification methods, some of which may be applicable to the sale of vape products.
The Guutuu vape brand will continue to pay attention to the development of age verification technology and regulations in countries around the world, actively cooperate and take appropriate measures to ensure product compliance and consumer safety. The brand is willing to work with all parties in the industry to jointly create a responsible vape market and provide consumers with safe and reliable products and purchasing experiences.
Tags: The first step to vape compliance，Age verification technology in countries around the world，Guutuu vape