What is best container for storing long term, perhaps 2-3 years? Maybe longer. I just want to store pg/vg to keep up with my nic stash.
Storing pg/vg long term
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Plastic is OK but Glass containers in the refrigerator or freezer is better. With the new FDA regulations now in effect you better stock up. THese regulations may not effect PG/VG to much but everything else will be effected. Flavoring, hardware, NIC etc.....
I have 2 500ml of 100mg nic stored in the freezer, just ordered 2 more. Would it be better to transfer them to glass bottles, or keep them in their unopened state in the plastic ones they arrive in. 2000ml of nic is going to last me for quite some time.
I was thinking of just burying the pg/vg containers in the back of my closet. Maybe get some canning jars to put it in.
PG/VG has a normal shelf life of 2-3+ years, if stored in a cool, dry, dark area it is even longer. Personally, I have VG/PG stored in this fashion for 5 years now in original plastic gallon containers with no change, others have reported even longer storage in the same manner with good results.
Doing that you'll be able to store them 18 months to 2 years. In the fridge maybe 3 - 5 years in the freezer 10+ years. So the choice is yours. My figures are based on NIC storage and you can likely add a year or 2 on top of those figures because oxidation doe not figure into spoilage as with NIC in this case.
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The Dow Chemical Company states Propylene Glycols should be stored at ambient temperatures in closed containers and away from sunlight and other sources of UV light with storage in plastic containers having the longest shelf life of at least 24 months. Prolonged contact of glycols with air should be avoided to decrease the possibility of oxidative degradation reactions and water absorption (glycols are hygroscopic). Dow recommends that propylene glycols in bulk be stored under nitrogen, ideally, but the use of dry air is also effective.
I should add Pure Vegetable Glycerine has a long shelf life and does not easily oxidize, recommended storage is the same as PG which has a shorter shelf life and oxidizes more readily than VG. (I made handmade soaps for years and used both PG and VG extensively)
No, PG has a longer "date" than VG. VG is 1 - 1.5 years(on occasion 2 years) and pg 2 years. There's variations, but those are pretty much industry standards. Note, these dates have nothing to do with "best-before", and are "re-test" dates. VG manufacturers e.g. just up the date after doing new EP/USP monograph spec testings on "old" stock...
If stored in a cool dark place, they should store very long. The only issue for very long storage, would be if the plastic leaches into the product, and if air enters and lowers the viscosity of VG(and PG), but the later isn't an issue although less viscosity. If having VG for many years, then I would suggest glass and possibly freezing.
Note, VG and PG will always be available, as vaping is a mere byproduct-usage of these components.
If stored in a cool dark place, they should store very long. The only issue for very long storage, would be if the plastic leaches into the product, and if air enters and lowers the viscosity of VG(and PG), but the later isn't an issue although less viscosity. If having VG for many years, then I would suggest glass and possibly freezing.
Note, VG and PG will always be available, as vaping is a mere byproduct-usage of these components.
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I was under the impression that anything related to the devices we use was tobacco related and will be regulated.
PG and VG will not ever be classified as a tobacco product lol 
If specifically sold and marketed for vaping, then there can be restrictions later possibly on that, but not standard components like glycerin, propylene glycol and distilled water Or food flavors for that fact... Nic, hardware and vaping-marketed flavors are the "only" thing needing our attention...
If specifically sold and marketed for vaping, then there can be restrictions later possibly on that, but not standard components like glycerin, propylene glycol and distilled water Or food flavors for that fact... Nic, hardware and vaping-marketed flavors are the "only" thing needing our attention...
USP VG can be stored up to five years at room temperature while stored in the USP approved sealed container. USP products include date and batch codes on the container. Once the seal of the USP container is broken and the glycerin is exposed to air the product should be used up within 12-18 months if stored at room temperature. There is only anecdotal evidence regarding how long oxygen-exposed glycerin may be stored if frozen in home freezers. But, practical experience shows that home food freezer storage will greatly extend the shelf life of base ingredients.
Nicotine base is usually fresh USP VG, PG or VG/PG that is mixed with Nicotine USP. The VG and PG are exposed to oxygen in this process so they no longer meet USP specs after mixing. If stored at room temperature these nicotine bases should be used up within 12-18 months.
After 100mg nicotine base arrives at my house I immediately transfer the product to 30ml glass Boston round bottles with polyseal caps. These bottles are then stored in the freezer. Because I use unflavored nic for my finished juice I make up 100 ml batches of finished juice directly with 100mg. VG nicotine base, VG and H2O.
Agreed, there is really no need to hoard large supplies of VG and PG. USP sealed bottles of this stuff will always be plentiful and cheap. I buy my Glycerin USP (VG) from Walmart.
Nicotine base is usually fresh USP VG, PG or VG/PG that is mixed with Nicotine USP. The VG and PG are exposed to oxygen in this process so they no longer meet USP specs after mixing. If stored at room temperature these nicotine bases should be used up within 12-18 months.
After 100mg nicotine base arrives at my house I immediately transfer the product to 30ml glass Boston round bottles with polyseal caps. These bottles are then stored in the freezer. Because I use unflavored nic for my finished juice I make up 100 ml batches of finished juice directly with 100mg. VG nicotine base, VG and H2O.
Agreed, there is really no need to hoard large supplies of VG and PG. USP sealed bottles of this stuff will always be plentiful and cheap. I buy my Glycerin USP (VG) from Walmart.
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I respectfully disagree with the first paragraph above...
VG and PG doesn't need to be used up after 12 - 18 months...
Most VG and PG we buy, although often comes from USP drums, is then rebottled and placed into standard bottles. They are marked USP because they match USP monograph values for purity and impurities etc. The USP general chapters specifically states any USP product to be named as monograph name, e.g. Glycerin, with USP followed, and no mention of vegetable or kosher or VG in front main label(although OK beneath). Some state that you need a cleanroom level 8 to repackage USP VG for the USP certification to withstand. I dunno, as don't have the USP to study.
Lastly, i've searched alot, but never found anything specifically about what USP certification means. The USP states they don't uphold, enforce or check, only makes the monographs and instructions. Yes, there are some certification programs on the USP page where your product can have a USP certified badge on in certain circumstances, but never seen USP VG with such.
The FDA, and e.g. MRHA in UK, upholds the laws for drugs and e.g. any pharmaceutical on sale which has of course an MA license, is by law dictated to be USP compliant, so they are the enforcer I believe. For non pharmaceuticals, i'm not sure, but i'm thinking that as long as they follow the USP monograph and other chapters of the USP pertaining, then they can call there product USP compliant. Again, don't know for sure... If people say i'm wrong, which is fine by me as I would love to get this issue sorted myself, then please give links to proper documentation and not just a link to someone stating this and that, which we all can do...
VG and PG doesn't need to be used up after 12 - 18 months...
Most VG and PG we buy, although often comes from USP drums, is then rebottled and placed into standard bottles. They are marked USP because they match USP monograph values for purity and impurities etc. The USP general chapters specifically states any USP product to be named as monograph name, e.g. Glycerin, with USP followed, and no mention of vegetable or kosher or VG in front main label(although OK beneath). Some state that you need a cleanroom level 8 to repackage USP VG for the USP certification to withstand. I dunno, as don't have the USP to study.
Lastly, i've searched alot, but never found anything specifically about what USP certification means. The USP states they don't uphold, enforce or check, only makes the monographs and instructions. Yes, there are some certification programs on the USP page where your product can have a USP certified badge on in certain circumstances, but never seen USP VG with such.
The FDA, and e.g. MRHA in UK, upholds the laws for drugs and e.g. any pharmaceutical on sale which has of course an MA license, is by law dictated to be USP compliant, so they are the enforcer I believe. For non pharmaceuticals, i'm not sure, but i'm thinking that as long as they follow the USP monograph and other chapters of the USP pertaining, then they can call there product USP compliant. Again, don't know for sure... If people say i'm wrong, which is fine by me as I would love to get this issue sorted myself, then please give links to proper documentation and not just a link to someone stating this and that, which we all can do...
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Yes, mherz. USP means the product must comply with USP approved contents, handling and packaging. So, a cleanroom is required to repack USP products if the USP labeling is to be retained.
I contacted Technical Services at USP two years ago on this subject. I was asking about differences in Food Grade and USP glycerin but the reply addresses USP packaging as well. Here is the reply.
Thank you for your questions. This has been forwarded to me since I am the Technical Services Manager responsible for queries relating to the USP-NF Excipient monographs under the Excipient Expert Committee. Here is some information that may help answer your question. The USP-NF has a section titled “General Notices” and this section presents the basic assumptions, definitions, and default conditions for the interpretation and application of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). Requirements stated in the General Notices apply to all articles recognized in the USP and NF (the “compendia”) and to all general chapters unless specifically stated otherwise. Where the requirements of an individual monograph differ from the General Notices or a general chapter, the monograph requirements apply and supersede the requirements of the General Notices or the general chapter, whether or not the monograph explicitly states the difference.
With this being stated, sections 2.30 and 3.20 of the UDP-NF General Notices states the following (bolded for ease of readability):
2.30. Legal Recognition
The USP and NF are recognized in the laws and regulations of many countries throughout the world. Regulatory authorities may enforce the standards presented in the USP and NF, but because recognition of the USP and NF may vary by country, users should understand applicable laws and regulations. In the United States under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), both USP and NF are recognized as official compendia. A drug with a name recognized in USP–NF must comply with compendial identity standards or be deemed adulterated, misbranded, or both. See, e.g., FDCA § 501(b) and 502(e)(3)(b); also FDA regulations, 21 CFR § 299.5(a&b). To avoid being deemed adulterated, such drugs must also comply with compendial standards for strength, quality, and purity, unless labeled to show all respects in which the drug differs. See, e.g., FDCA § 501(b) and 21 CFR § 299.5(c). In addition, to avoid being deemed misbranded, drugs recognized in USP–NF must also be packaged and labeled in compliance with compendial standards. See FDCA § 502(g).
A dietary supplement represented as conforming to specifications in USP will be deemed a misbranded food if it fails to so conform. See FDCA § 403(s)(2)(D).
Enforcement of USP standards is the responsibility of FDA and other government authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere. USP has no role in enforcement.
and
3.20. Indicating Conformance
A drug product, drug substance, or excipient may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the identity prescribed in the specified compendium.
When a drug product, drug substance, or excipient differs from the relevant USP or NF standard of strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the relevant compendium, its difference shall be plainly stated on its label.
When a drug product, drug substance, or excipient fails to comply with the identity prescribed in USP or NF or contains an added substance that interferes with the prescribed tests and procedures, the article shall be designated by a name that is clearly distinguishing and differentiating from any name recognized in USP or NF.
A medical device, dietary supplement, or ingredient or component of a medical device or dietary supplement may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the monograph standards and other applicable standards in the compendium.
The designation “USP” or “NF” on the label may not and does not constitute an endorsement by USP and does not represent assurance by USP that the article is known to comply with the relevant standards. USP may seek legal redress if an article purports to be or is represented as an official article in one of USP's compendia and such claim is determined by USP not to be made in good faith.
The designation “USP–NF” may be used on the label of an article provided that the label also bears a statement such as “Meets NF standards as published by USP,” indicating the particular compendium to which the article purports to apply.
When the letters “USP,” “NF,” or “USP–NF” are used on the label of an article to indicate compliance with compendial standards, the letters shall appear in conjunction with the official title of the article. The letters are not to be enclosed in any symbol such as a circle, square, etc., and shall appear in capital letters.
If a dietary supplement does not comply with all applicable compendial requirements but contains one or more dietary ingredients or other ingredients that are recognized in USP or NF, the individual ingredient(s) may be designated as complying with USP or NF standards or being of USP or NF quality provided that the designation is limited to the individual ingredient(s) and does not suggest that the dietary supplement complies with USP standards.
Therefore, if you find glycerin labeled “USP Glycerin”, one could assume it has met the it the strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the glycerin monograph and this has been deemed approved by the regulatory agency. Now, food grade glycerin should be labeled as FCC Glycerin and should meet the necessary requirements set forth in the FCC (Food Chemical Codex).
Thank you for your questions. This has been forwarded to me since I am the Technical Services Manager responsible for queries relating to the USP-NF Excipient monographs under the Excipient Expert Committee. Here is some information that may help answer your question. The USP-NF has a section titled “General Notices” and this section presents the basic assumptions, definitions, and default conditions for the interpretation and application of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). Requirements stated in the General Notices apply to all articles recognized in the USP and NF (the “compendia”) and to all general chapters unless specifically stated otherwise. Where the requirements of an individual monograph differ from the General Notices or a general chapter, the monograph requirements apply and supersede the requirements of the General Notices or the general chapter, whether or not the monograph explicitly states the difference.
With this being stated, sections 2.30 and 3.20 of the UDP-NF General Notices states the following (bolded for ease of readability):
2.30. Legal Recognition
The USP and NF are recognized in the laws and regulations of many countries throughout the world. Regulatory authorities may enforce the standards presented in the USP and NF, but because recognition of the USP and NF may vary by country, users should understand applicable laws and regulations. In the United States under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), both USP and NF are recognized as official compendia. A drug with a name recognized in USP–NF must comply with compendial identity standards or be deemed adulterated, misbranded, or both. See, e.g., FDCA § 501(b) and 502(e)(3)(b); also FDA regulations, 21 CFR § 299.5(a&b). To avoid being deemed adulterated, such drugs must also comply with compendial standards for strength, quality, and purity, unless labeled to show all respects in which the drug differs. See, e.g., FDCA § 501(b) and 21 CFR § 299.5(c). In addition, to avoid being deemed misbranded, drugs recognized in USP–NF must also be packaged and labeled in compliance with compendial standards. See FDCA § 502(g).
A dietary supplement represented as conforming to specifications in USP will be deemed a misbranded food if it fails to so conform. See FDCA § 403(s)(2)(D).
Enforcement of USP standards is the responsibility of FDA and other government authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere. USP has no role in enforcement.
and
3.20. Indicating Conformance
A drug product, drug substance, or excipient may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the identity prescribed in the specified compendium.
When a drug product, drug substance, or excipient differs from the relevant USP or NF standard of strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the relevant compendium, its difference shall be plainly stated on its label.
When a drug product, drug substance, or excipient fails to comply with the identity prescribed in USP or NF or contains an added substance that interferes with the prescribed tests and procedures, the article shall be designated by a name that is clearly distinguishing and differentiating from any name recognized in USP or NF.
A medical device, dietary supplement, or ingredient or component of a medical device or dietary supplement may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the monograph standards and other applicable standards in the compendium.
The designation “USP” or “NF” on the label may not and does not constitute an endorsement by USP and does not represent assurance by USP that the article is known to comply with the relevant standards. USP may seek legal redress if an article purports to be or is represented as an official article in one of USP's compendia and such claim is determined by USP not to be made in good faith.
The designation “USP–NF” may be used on the label of an article provided that the label also bears a statement such as “Meets NF standards as published by USP,” indicating the particular compendium to which the article purports to apply.
When the letters “USP,” “NF,” or “USP–NF” are used on the label of an article to indicate compliance with compendial standards, the letters shall appear in conjunction with the official title of the article. The letters are not to be enclosed in any symbol such as a circle, square, etc., and shall appear in capital letters.
If a dietary supplement does not comply with all applicable compendial requirements but contains one or more dietary ingredients or other ingredients that are recognized in USP or NF, the individual ingredient(s) may be designated as complying with USP or NF standards or being of USP or NF quality provided that the designation is limited to the individual ingredient(s) and does not suggest that the dietary supplement complies with USP standards.
Therefore, if you find glycerin labeled “USP Glycerin”, one could assume it has met the it the strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the glycerin monograph and this has been deemed approved by the regulatory agency. Now, food grade glycerin should be labeled as FCC Glycerin and should meet the necessary requirements set forth in the FCC (Food Chemical Codex).
The above comes from an mail to me. I will not show further information regarding this email.
However, I will disclose how you may reach my contact person if you should wish to follow up on this matter yourself.
Robert Lafaver, M.S.
Technical Services Manager
United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Documentary Standards Division
12601 Twinbrook Parkway
Rockville, MD 20852-1790
Phone: 301-816-8335
Fax: 301-816-8373
Email: rhl@usp.org
Alternate email: nfmonographs@usp.org
web: www.usp.org
However, I will disclose how you may reach my contact person if you should wish to follow up on this matter yourself.
Robert Lafaver, M.S.
Technical Services Manager
United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Documentary Standards Division
12601 Twinbrook Parkway
Rockville, MD 20852-1790
Phone: 301-816-8335
Fax: 301-816-8373
Email: rhl@usp.org
Alternate email: nfmonographs@usp.org
web: www.usp.org
Thanks alot mate! I thank you for proper documentation, but i've read it before often and is what made me believe what I wrote above.
I respectfully believe you're wrong when you state:
"Therefore, if you find glycerin labeled “USP Glycerin”, one could assume it has met the it the strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the glycerin monograph and this has been deemed approved by the regulatory agency."
My reasoning for my beliefs is this, which you also quoted:
"Enforcement of USP standards is the responsibility of FDA and other government authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere. USP has no role in enforcement."
More specifically:
"A medical device, dietary supplement, or ingredient or component of a medical device or dietary supplement may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the monograph standards and other applicable standards in the compendium.
The designation “USP” or “NF” on the label may not and does not constitute an endorsement by USP and does not represent assurance by USP that the article is known to comply with the relevant standards. USP may seek legal redress if an article purports to be or is represented as an official article in one of USP's compendia and such claim is determined by USP not to be made in good faith"
Meaning, if you make glycerin and there's a glycerin monograph available, which there is, then you do all the testings according to that and if compliant then label your product Glycerin USP, but no other is going to check it for you, as your product is not included in any laws by e.g. the FDA or MHRA etc... If a medicine, then of course another story as to even get an MA, then USP compliance is checked...
I respectfully believe you're wrong when you state:
"Therefore, if you find glycerin labeled “USP Glycerin”, one could assume it has met the it the strength, quality, or purity, as determined by the application of the tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria set forth in the glycerin monograph and this has been deemed approved by the regulatory agency."
My reasoning for my beliefs is this, which you also quoted:
"Enforcement of USP standards is the responsibility of FDA and other government authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere. USP has no role in enforcement."
More specifically:
"A medical device, dietary supplement, or ingredient or component of a medical device or dietary supplement may use the designation “USP” or “NF” in conjunction with its official title or elsewhere on the label only when (1) a monograph is provided in the specified compendium and (2) the article complies with the monograph standards and other applicable standards in the compendium.
The designation “USP” or “NF” on the label may not and does not constitute an endorsement by USP and does not represent assurance by USP that the article is known to comply with the relevant standards. USP may seek legal redress if an article purports to be or is represented as an official article in one of USP's compendia and such claim is determined by USP not to be made in good faith"
Meaning, if you make glycerin and there's a glycerin monograph available, which there is, then you do all the testings according to that and if compliant then label your product Glycerin USP, but no other is going to check it for you, as your product is not included in any laws by e.g. the FDA or MHRA etc... If a medicine, then of course another story as to even get an MA, then USP compliance is checked...
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FDA has responsibility to enforce compliance with USP specs. Of course, FDA enforcement or lack thereof has been in the news several times during recent years. Enforcement of some other pharmaceutical providers (such as compounding pharmacies) have been assumed by state authorities.
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