Will Menthol Vapes Be Banned in the UK? What the Law Actually Says Right Now

Menthol is the single most-searched flavour-ban concern among UK vapers, and the worry is understandable. Menthol cigarettes were banned in 2020, so many people reasonably assume menthol vapes are next in line. This guide explains why vapes are a separate legal case, what the current law actually says, and what menthol vapers should realistically expect.

Are Menthol Vapes Banned in the UK Right Now?

No. Menthol vapes and menthol e-liquids are completely legal to buy in the UK as of 2026.
There is no ban in force and none has been confirmed for the future.

You can buy menthol and mint e-liquids today across all major brands, including IVG Nic Salts, Elux Nic Salts, SKE Crystal and Vampire Vape menthol ranges. Nothing in current UK law prevents the sale or purchase of menthol vaping products. If you rely on menthol as your everyday flavour, there is no immediate change you need to plan around.

Why Do People Think Menthol Vapes Will Be Banned?

The confusion comes from the 2020 UK ban on menthol cigarettes. That ban applied to combustible tobacco only, not to vapes. Vaping products are regulated under a separate framework, and no equivalent menthol vape ban exists.

In May 2020, the UK banned the sale of menthol cigarettes and menthol rolling tobacco under tobacco control rules. Because that change is still well remembered, it is natural to assume menthol vapes will follow the same route. The key difference is that cigarettes and vapes sit under different pieces of legislation, and the public-health reasoning behind restricting a combustible tobacco product does not transfer automatically to a vaping product that helps people quit smoking.

In fact, the policy logic often runs the other way. Menthol vapes are frequently used by ex-smokers who previously smoked menthol cigarettes, which makes them part of the stop-smoking toolkit rather than a target for restriction. That distinction matters when assessing how likely a future menthol vape restriction really is. A ban that pushed former menthol smokers back towards cigarettes would work against the wider public-health aim the legislation is built around, and regulators are aware of that tension.

The 2020 menthol cigarette ban applied to combustible tobacco products. Vaping products are regulated separately under UK vaping and TPD-derived rules.

Where Does Menthol Stand Under the Tobacco and Vapes Act?

Menthol sits in a lower-risk position than sweet or candy flavours under current consultation. While the Tobacco and Vapes Act could enable future flavour restrictions, menthol and tobacco are most often viewed as flavours that support adult smoking cessation.

Regulatory thinking generally separates flavours that primarily appeal to young people from those that help adults move away from smoking. Menthol and mint tend to fall into the latter group in policy discussion, which is why they are seen as lower-risk than fruit, dessert or candy options. This is an assessment of direction and emphasis, not a guarantee of any outcome. No menthol restriction is confirmed. 

What Should Menthol Vapers Do Now?

Menthol vapers do not need to take any urgent action. Menthol remains legal and is lower-risk than other categories. Keeping a reasonable supply of preferred menthol e-liquids is sensible, but panic-buying is unnecessary.

It is also worth knowing your options in the unlikely event that restrictions ever did arrive. If menthol were ever limited, mint, ice and cooling-blend e-liquids could offer a similar sensory profile, and tobacco flavours would remain the most protected category of all. For now, though, none of that is required.

Explore Menthol and Mint E-Liquids at Vapes Direct

Menthol vapers can simply continue buying their usual flavours and explore the wider menthol and mint range available in Vapes Direct's nic salts and e-liquid collections. Brands such as IVG, Elux, SKE Crystal and Vampire Vape all offer strong menthol and menthol-fruit options, so there is plenty of choice without any need to stockpile or change habits. The sensible takeaway is straightforward: stay informed through official sources, keep enjoying the flavour you prefer, and ignore the recurring social-media claims that a menthol vape ban is imminent. Until the government confirms otherwise through published regulation, menthol remains a fully legal, widely available and lower-risk choice for UK vapers.

FAQ

Is menthol vaping being banned in the UK?

No. Menthol vaping is not being banned in the UK as of 2026. Menthol e-liquids remain fully legal to buy, and no menthol vape ban has been confirmed under current law or the Tobacco and Vapes Act.

Does the 2020 menthol cigarette ban apply to vapes?

No. The 2020 ban applied to menthol cigarettes and rolling tobacco only. Vaping products are regulated under separate legislation, so the menthol cigarette ban does not apply to menthol e-liquids or vapes.

Can I still buy menthol vape juice in the UK?

Yes. Menthol and mint e-liquids are legal and widely available in the UK from brands including IVG, Elux, SKE Crystal and Vampire Vape. There are no current restrictions on buying menthol vape juice.

Is menthol a high-risk flavour for future UK restrictions?

No, menthol is generally viewed as lower-risk than sweet, dessert and candy flavours. This is because menthol and tobacco flavours are most associated with helping adults stop smoking, though no outcome is confirmed.

What could menthol vapers use if menthol were ever restricted?

If menthol were ever restricted, mint, ice and cooling-blend e-liquids could provide a similar sensory experience, and tobacco flavours would remain the most protected category. No such restriction exists at present.