UK Vaping Laws
In the UK, there are several laws and regulations regarding e-cigarettes, including:
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Selling to minorsIt's illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids to anyone under 18 years old. It's also illegal for adults to buy them on behalf of someone under 18.
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Nicotine contentE-liquids must have a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml. The legal level of nicotine in a vape is 2%.
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Tank capacityE-cigarette tanks must be no more than 2ml.
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PackagingNicotine-containing products and their packaging must be child-resistant and tamper evident.
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Banned ingredientsCertain ingredients, including colorings, caffeine, and taurine, are banned.
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LabelingE-cigarettes and e-liquids must have new labeling requirements and warnings.
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NotificationAll e-cigarettes and e-liquids must be notified and published by the MHRA before they can be sold.
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EnforcementShops that sell tobacco and vapes to minors face £100 on the spot fines.
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AdvertisingMarketing activity must adhere to strict codes set out by the Advertising Standards Authority.
Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal and do not meet UK safety regulations. They can contain high levels of harmful substances.
The government is also working on new laws that will include:
- Raising the age of sale to 18
- Introducing powers to restrict vape flavors and packaging
- Providing additional £30 million a year for enforcement agencies
