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A Guide to UK Vaping Laws

A Guide to UK Vaping Laws

Everything you need to know about vaping laws in the UK and what is changing.

With the UK Government announcing new restrictions on the sale and purchase of vapes in the UK, it’s important for Brits to be fully aware of the laws, and how they are set to change. This guide takes you through the essential rules for vaping in the UK.

Who can buy vapes?

In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 years old, or for adults to buy them on their behalf. 

Are vapes going to be banned?

Disposable vapes will be banned on 1st April, 2025. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, backed by the Conservative and Labour parties, is expected to be passed into law towards the end of 2024 and implemented by early 2025 while rechargeable and refillable vapes will still be available. Not sure what these are? Check out our guide on refillable disposable vapes

Why are disposable vapes being banned?

The UK government has cited two key reasons for the ban. Firstly, given the huge impact they have on the environment as disposable vapes are not recycled properly, leading to 1.3 million single-use vapes being binned every week. Banning disposables will also hopefully prevent young people from accessing them.

Are vapes included in the new ‘smoke free generation’ legislation?

Products such as vapes and nicotine replacement therapies are out of scope for the smoke free generation proposal, because they do not contain tobacco and are often used as a quit aid for those who smoke.

What vapes will be legal following the ban?

It is only disposable vapes that will be banned. Adult vapers will still be able to access refillable and reusable vapes.

Are ‘illegal vapes’ real?

Before the disposable vape ban comes into play, there are still some disposable vapes currently on sale that are illegal and do not meet UK safety regulations. They can contain high levels of harmful substances and can be spotted using the below guide:

       Eliquid bottles cannot contain more than 10ml of eliquid

       Vape tanks cannot have a capacity of more than 2ml

       All packaging must contain nicotine warnings and be child-resistant

       Colourings, taurine and caffeine among other items are banned ingredients in vapes

       Eliquids must not have a nicotine strength of more than 2% (20mg/ml)

What makes a vape illegal?

Before the disposable vape ban comes into play, there are still some disposable vapes currently on sale that do not meet UK safety regulations. These are considered illegal since they could potentially contain high levels of harmful substances and can be spotted using the following guide:

  • - E-liquid bottles cannot contain more than 10ml;

  • - Vape tanks cannot have a capacity of more than 2ml;

  • - All packaging must contain prominent nicotine warnings and be child-resistant;

  • - Colourings, taurine and caffeine among other items are banned ingredients in vapes;

  • - E-liquids must not have a nicotine strength of more than 2% (20mg/ml).


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