Vaping Regulations & Laws: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Vaping regulation has been a hot topic over the past couple of years. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill brought about the end of disposable vapes in 2025 and stirred a debate about whether the vaping industry should be restricted even further. MPs are now debating whether to curb flavours and packaging, which are seen as appealing to children.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the current legislation sits on top of already existing restrictions that came into being years before. Vaping regulations aren’t covered in one big beautiful bill, but spread over separate pieces of legislation - if you’re confused about where things are and what to expect, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know - from the early days of e-cigs to the most recent updates in 2025.

TL;DR: What are the UK vaping laws in 2025?

Vaping regulations UK in 2025 include a nationwide ban on disposable vapes, a possible minimum price of £30 for vape kits and accessories, and potential ban on prefilled pod kits. These rules are part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to curb youth vaping while allowing refillable vape devices for adult use. The legal age to buy and use vapes remains 18, and indoor use is typically restricted by venue policy, not law.

A Brief History of Vaping in the UK: From 2012 to Now

Vaping took hold in the UK in 2012, branching out from pharmacy ciga-like pens to clunky steam punk looking gadgets with much more power. It initially faced few restrictions and promised a safer option and a world of exciting new flavours.

With limited product regulation and widespread availability, vapes were sold in hastily put together vape shops that sprang up around towns and cities, selling alluring - if somewhat suspect - looking bottles of vape juice. American imports and DIY mixtures were the order of the day, and vape kits came in all shapes and sizes - and capacities.

In 2016, the landscape changed dramatically when the UK implemented the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) to standardise vaping products, improve safety, and enhance transparency.

What Are the UK Laws on Vaping?

After Brexit, vaping in the UK continues to be regulated by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) and enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Here were the big changes:

• All vaping products must undergo mandatory notification, testing, and approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

• E-liquid bottles are limited to a maximum capacity of 10ml

• Nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml.

• Vape tanks must not exceed 2ml in capacity.

• Health warnings must be clearly displayed on product packaging.

• Detailed ingredients, nicotine, and emission data must be provided to consumers.

• Restrictions on marketing and advertising aimed at protecting minors and vulnerable populations.

These regulations aimed to balance public health concerns while supporting smokers trying to quit tobacco. TRPR and MHRA requirements would be the main governing regulations on vaping until 2024 when the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was introduced.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Disposables landed in 2021 and became the fastest selling vape kits of all time. They also started a child vaping epidemic, which placed vaping squarely in the cross hairs of regulators.

This led to the creation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in November 2024, with two main aims:

1) Ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born before 2009 (part of the government's smoke free generation ambitions)

2) Ban the sale of disposable vapes.

Youth vaping saw an alarming spike between 2021 and 2024, and disposables were banned in the UK in June 2025. The bill is also currently an open document that could be used to regulate vapes even further.

So far that’s it, but there are still public concerns that banning disposables isn’t enough to tackle underage vaping - and some are calling for a ban on sweet flavours and package restrictions similar to that of cigarettes.

Are Vape Flavours Getting Banned?

Vape flavours are not currently banned in the UK and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has no mention of potential bans, only calls for clarification of what a vape flavour means.(1)

However, public concerns have now switched to whether e-liquid flavours are enticing children to take up vaping. It’s an interesting debate, as refillable vapes require more upkeep and maintenance, and are not readily sold in cornershops - making them less accessible to minors.

There is an important question of how big a role the black market plays in fuelling underage vaping. Legitimate online and bricks and mortar vape retailers employ independent age verification and Challenge 25. Whereas local corner shops and American Candy store vendors are far less likely to operate with the same level of rigour. It is these shops that are continually found to be flaunting the rules.

In a 2025 survey of over 1000 Vape Superstore customers, over 85% used vaping to quit smoking due to health concerns. And the majority preferred sweet fruit and candy flavours over tobaccos and menthols:

The UK government responded to a 2024 petition opposing the ban on e-liquid flavours, acknowledging that flavours significantly impact both youth appeal and adult switching success. They stated: “To address the rise in youth vaping, vape flavours that appeal to children will be restricted. We will conduct further consultations, mindful of the role flavours play in helping adult smokers quit.”

If a flavour ban were implemented, flavours would likely be restricted to tobacco, mint, menthol and simple fruits.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill Update - New UK Vaping Laws 2025

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is in its 2nd parliament reading and as of the 30th June 2025, has had a number of key amendments added to it:

1. Minimum price for vaping products - A vape product cannot be sold for under £30. This includes individual coils and pods - this is a huge increase in the cost of accessories. The average vape kit costs £20 and a pack of pods £10. The aim is to price out children, but would nearly double the cost of most vape kits and triple the cost for vape pods and coils.

2. Prohibition on the manufacture, supply and sale of pre-filled single-use vaping pods - Any sealed cartridge that contains an e-liquid not intended for refill or reuse. Prefilled pod kits are the next step up from disposables, they're easy to use, easier to obtain, cheaper, and more wastefull than refillable vapes. The aim is to reduce the accessibility for minors and reduce environmental waste.

This would ban all low cost and easy to use prefilled vape kits, leaving only refillable vapes available for sale.

Can You Vape Indoors in the UK?

There is no UK law that explicitly bans indoor vaping, but almost all organisations and venues will restrict indoor use for health, safety, or comfort reasons. Typical places with vaping restrictions include:

• Public transport and transit stations

• Hospitals, schools, and educational facilities

• Restaurants, bars, cafes, and enclosed public spaces

• Workplaces and office environments

Always check individual policies if you’re not sure of your surroundings. You can request permission to vape in indoor areas, but will more than likely be told that you can’t.

Vaping Advertising Laws UK

Vaping advertising is heavily restricted in the UK. The aim is to protect public health, especially minors:

• Direct advertising of vaping products on television, radio, and online platforms is strictly prohibited.

• Marketing must never target or be designed to appeal to individuals under 18 years old.

• Public health informational campaigns about vaping as a smoking cessation tool are allowed but are strictly regulated and monitored for compliance.

Vape Travel Rules and Restrictions

While you can vape in the UK, you need to follow these essential guidelines when travelling domestically or internationally:

• Always carry vaping devices in hand luggage, as checked luggage prohibits battery powered devices.

• Ensure vape juice complies with airline volume regulations. Usually these restrict containers to 100ml or smaller.

• Verify vaping rules at your travel destination, as many countries enforce specific regulations that can affect your ability to use or transport vaping products.

Read our ‘Flying with Vapes’ blog for more detailed information.

FAQs

Are vapes getting banned in the UK?

Only disposable vapes were banned in the UK on the 1st June 2025. Vapes that can be refilled and recharged are still legal.

Is vaping legal at 16 in the UK?

No, you must be 18 years or older to vape in the UK, you cannot buy any vape product including vape kits, e-liquids and accessories that do not contain nicotine.

What happens if you break vaping laws?

Breaking vaping regulations can result in penalties ranging from significant fines to criminal prosecution, particularly in cases involving illegal product sales or sales to minors.

Can I vape at work?

Many workplaces prohibit vaping indoors, but individual policies vary. Always confirm with your employer or refer to your company’s guidelines.

Conclusion

The UK’s approach to vaping took a major turn in 2025. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, disposable vapes are now banned, and Parliament is considering minimum pricing of £30 per kit to deter youth access. A further ban on prefilled pods is also on the table.

Adults 18+ can still purchase refillable vape kits, though flavour restrictions may follow - especially on options seen as appealing to children. The UK government has promised further consultations to balance public health and adult cessation needs.

While there’s no legal indoor vaping ban, most workplaces and public venues prohibit it.

Key Facts:

• Disposable vapes banned (June 2025)
• Proposed price floor: £30 per device/accessory
• Prefilled pods under review for ban
• Flavours may be restricted, but not yet
• Bill still under review - stay updated

You can use our handy Find a Legal Vape Kit tool to browse legally approved options that meet the latest UK standards.

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For additional queries and authoritative advice, always consult reliable resources like the MHRA or gov.uk.

If you're completely new to vaping, check out our Ultimate Guide to Vaping covers everything you need to know and more!

Sources

Parallel Parliament - Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-26