UK Vape Regulations – Your 2025 Guide
The UK has some of the most comprehensive vaping regulations in the world. Designed to protect young people, ensure product safety, and help adult smokers switch responsibly, these laws affect everything from nicotine limits to packaging rules. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know so you can vape with confidence.
Are Vapes Legal in the UK?
Yes, vaping is legal in the UK for anyone aged 18 or over. Unlike some countries that ban e-cigarettes completely, the UK allows vaping products as long as they meet safety and quality standards. Regulations are designed to encourage adult smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives, while reducing the appeal and accessibility of vaping among young people.
At VapesDirect, every product we sell—whether it’s a reusable vape or an e-liquid—is fully UK-compliant. So, you can vape with confidence, knowing you’re always on the right side of the law.
What Is the Legal Age to Buy Vapes in the UK?
The law is clear: you must be 18 or older to buy e-cigarettes or e-liquids. Selling to under-18s is illegal, and so is buying on behalf of someone younger (known as proxy purchasing).
You must be 18 or older to purchase from our site. We may request proof of age before processing or dispatching your order.
This rule applies to all nicotine-containing products, including pods, coils, and e-liquids. The purpose is simple: prevent youth nicotine addiction.
What Are the Current UK Vape Product Regulations?
Every vape product sold in the UK must meet the standards set by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). Key rules include:
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Nicotine strength limit: No e-liquid can contain more than 20 mg/ml of nicotine.
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Bottle size: Nicotine-containing e-liquids must be sold in bottles of 10ml or smaller. (Bigger bottles are fine if nicotine-free.)
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Tank capacity: Vape tanks and pods cannot exceed 2ml capacity.
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Packaging: All packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and carry a nicotine health warning.
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Ingredients: Certain additives such as caffeine, taurine, and colourings are banned.
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Notification: Every device or e-liquid must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before sale.
These regulations might feel strict, but they’re there to make sure products are safe and reliable. At VapesDirect, our E-Liquid Collection and Vape Kits all meet these legal standards.
Are Disposable Vapes Banned in the UK?
Yes—they are. From 1 June 2025, disposable vapes are no longer legal. The government introduced this ban to tackle two big issues: the rise in youth vaping and the environmental impact of single-use devices.
This means single-use vapes – including those without nicotine – can no longer be sold legally. Only reusable devices – rechargeable, refillable, and with replaceable pods or coils – are legal after June 2025.
If you used to enjoy disposables, don’t worry—switching to a reusable vape is easier than you think. Devices like the Elf Bar 4 in 1 or Lost Mary 4 in 1 pod kits give you the same convenience, save you money in the long run, and create far less waste.
Can You Vape in Public Places in the UK?
There is no nationwide law banning vaping in all public places, but most venues and transport operators have their own rules.
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Public transport: Trains, buses, and airlines prohibit vaping.
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Indoor venues: Pubs, restaurants, and workplaces often include vaping in their no-smoking policies.
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Outdoor areas: Generally allowed, but some stadiums, schools, and hospitals restrict vaping on site.
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Cars: It’s currently legal to vape in a car with children, though many health groups advise against it, and drivers must ensure vapour does not impair visibility.
Best rule of thumb? Check for signs and be considerate.
What Are the Rules on Vape Advertising?
The UK has strict rules to ensure vaping is not marketed to children.
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TV, radio, and print: Advertising of nicotine vapes is prohibited.
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Online ads: Paid advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook is not allowed.
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In-store promotion: Products can be displayed, but adverts must not target under-18s.
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Content restrictions: Claims that vapes are medicines or guaranteed quit aids are not permitted unless licensed as such.
Retailers (like us) can share factual product information for adult smokers, but no glamorising or youth-friendly marketing.
Why Shop with VapesDirect?
We make sure every product we sell is:
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Authenticity guaranteed – only genuine stock from trusted suppliers.
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Fully compliant – UK-legal nicotine strengths, 2ml tanks, and registered e-liquids.
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Future-ready – a wide range of reusable devices now that disposables are banned.
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Great value – competitive prices across kits, e-liquids, and coils & pods.
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Fast delivery – same-day dispatch for orders placed before 2pm and free UK delivery over £30.
Switch today with confidence – check out our Reusable Vape Kits.
Additional Notes / Caveats
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Future/unsettled law: This area is evolving. The Tobacco & Vapes Bill may introduce further restrictions, including potential flavour limits, retail licensing requirements, and plain packaging rules. These measures are aimed at strengthening youth protection and reducing the appeal of vaping to under-18s.
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Jurisdiction caveat: Be aware that regulations in Northern Ireland and the devolved nations may have slight differences.
This guide is based on the latest UK government and MHRA regulations as of 2025.
FAQs About UK Vape Regulations
1. What’s the strongest nicotine e-liquid I can buy in the UK?
The legal max is 20 mg/ml. Anything stronger, like 50 mg nic salts you might see abroad, isn’t allowed here.
2. Are disposable vapes still legal?
No. As of June 2025, disposables are banned. The only legal options are reusable kits that you can refill and recharge.
3. How old do I need to be to buy vapes?
You must be 18 or older. Shops also can’t sell to under-18s, and buying for someone younger is against the law.
4. What sizes of e-liquids and tanks are allowed?
Nicotine e-liquids → Max 10ml bottles.
Tanks/pods → Max 2ml capacity.
Anything bigger must be nicotine-free.
5. Can I vape anywhere I like?
Not quite. Vaping is legal, but many pubs, restaurants, buses, and trains ban it. Outdoors is usually fine, but always check signs and vape considerately.