Single-use disposable vapes are now banned in the UK. Retailers must transition to refillable pod systems.
- Ban applies to all single-use disposable vapes (600 puff, 800 puff, etc.)
- Refillable/rechargeable pod systems remain legal
- Existing stock must be sold or disposed of responsibly
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines and product seizure
- Transition to prefilled pod systems (Hayati, Lost Mary Tappo, Elf Bar Elfa, etc.)
Read official guidance →
A new excise duty on vaping products will apply from October 2026, based on e-liquid volume.
- Duty rate: £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid (or part thereof)
- Applies to both prefilled pods and refillable e-liquids
- Does not apply to empty hardware (devices, pods without liquid)
- Retail prices expected to increase by 15-30%
- Businesses should prepare pricing strategies and stock levels now
Read official guidance →
All vaping products subject to duty must display a tax stamp from April 2027.
- Tax stamps must be affixed to all retail packaging
- Products without valid stamps cannot be legally sold
- Businesses must register with HMRC for stamp ordering
- Supply chain must track stamp usage for compliance
- Start preparing systems and processes now to avoid disruption
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All vape retailers must have robust age verification procedures in place.
- Challenge 25 policy: if customer appears under 25, request ID
- Acceptable ID: passport, driving licence, PASS card, biometric ID
- Online sales require age verification at checkout
- Staff training must be documented and regular
- Failure to verify age can result in fines and licence revocation
Read official guidance →
All vaping products must comply with TPD packaging and labelling requirements.
- Health warnings must cover 30% of front and back packaging
- Nicotine content must be clearly labelled (max 20mg/ml)
- E-liquid volume limited to 10ml per bottle, 2ml per pod/tank
- Child-resistant packaging required for all e-liquids
- Ingredient list and manufacturer details must be included
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Vape businesses have obligations under WEEE regulations for electronic waste recycling.
- Vape devices and batteries are classified as electronic waste
- Businesses must join a WEEE compliance scheme
- Must provide take-back facilities for customers
- Batteries must be recycled separately
- Registration and reporting requirements apply annually
Read official guidance →
Vape advertising is heavily regulated in the UK, with restrictions on various channels.
- No paid advertising on TV, radio, or print media
- Social media advertising restricted (no paid ads targeting under 18s)
- In-store displays must not be visible from outside the premises
- No free samples or gifts with purchase
- Influencer marketing must comply with ASA guidelines
Read official guidance →