It is illegal to sell electronic cigarettes or vapes to anyone under the age of 18. Any illegal or unsafe products are liable to be seized and traders found making illegal underage sales may be prosecuted and fined.

One of our ongoing priorities is to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

We regularly work with HMRC and undertake targeted inspections of premises. These inspections routinely result in the seizure of illegal products worth thousands of pounds.

Single-use vapes

From 1 June 2025 it is illegal for businesses to sell, supply or have in their possession any single-use vapes.

Single-use vapes are not designed or intended for reuse. A vape is single-use if it either:

• has a battery you cannot recharge
• is not refillable

To be reuseable, a vape must have a:

• rechargeable battery
• refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid (such as a chamber, capsule, cartridge, pod or tank)
• removable and replaceable coil (if the vape contains a coil)

The ban applies to all online and in shop sales and includes all single use vapes whether or not they contain nicotine.

You can read more about what businesses need to do on GOV.UK, including:

• who the ban applies to
• definition of single-use and reusable vapes
• recycling vapes what to do with leftover stock of single-use vapes

How to spot illegal vaping products

Check the number of puffs printed on the vape or label:

• the maximum tank size is 2ml. This is equivalent to 600-650 puffs for disposables.
• products advertising significantly more usage than this are illegal

Check the health warnings:

• in the UK the warning must cover 30% of the front and back of the pack
• the health warning must read "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance"
• use of the word 'chemical' is only used in the USA market. In the UK we use 'substance'

Check for nicotine content:

• the product must indicate the nicotine content and delivery per dose
• the maximum e-liquid capacity is 2ml
• the maximum nicotine strength is 20mg (2%)

Check the manufacturers details:

• the vape packaging must contain the manufacturer or importer name and contact details
• the manufacturer or importer must be registered on the MHRA website

If you have any concerns, report them by calling Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.