Let's take a look at UK vaping regulations.
In this article...
Different countries around the world have various laws when it comes to vaping. In recent times vaping has become strictly regulated in the UK, with more laws set to be put in place in the upcoming years. In this article we will explore vaping law in the UK, including where you can vape and product regulations.
Vaping Authorities
In the UK, the Government have developed an extensive process to ensure all vaping products sold are regulated. This process involves a range of departments, which each ensure the goods withhold safety standards.
TRPR
The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) are the laws that decide what is safe for vapers. It was designed based on the EU Tobacco Products Directive 2014 (TPD) laws, which are very similar.
The TRPR makes sure that harmful chemicals aren’t in liquids and that devices aren’t dangerous. But, what exactly does this mean for vapers?
Summary of the TRPR
- 2ml Tank/ Pod limit.
- 10ml cap on e-liquid bottles and refill containers
- Restricts nicotine strength to maximum 2.0% (20mg/ml).
- Restricts additives such as taurine, caffeine, and diacetyl.
- All products have to be sold in child resistant bottles and tamper evident containers.
- Devices and liquids must be registered on the MHRA before they can be sold.
- Packaging must show a nicotine warning, covering 30% of the front and back.
MHRA
The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency commonly known as the MHRA, is a medical regulations agency. The body are responsible for regulating all medical products including vapes.
What does the MHRA do?
The MHRA check all vape devices and products that include nicotine to ensure they are safe for use and meet the required quality and regulatory TRPR standard. If granted safe, the product will receive a license from the MHRA before sold or prescribed.
Link to MHRA E-cigarette and Vape Products Guidance Hub: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mhra-e-cigarette-and-vape-products-guidance-hub
ECID
The European Community Identification (ECID) is a unique identifier code which is assigned to products for regulatory compliance. All vaping products sold in the UK must be registered with the MHRA and open approval will be assigned a ECID number. This then should be printed on the product packaging to ensure users and authorities can verify its status.
ECID Number Example: 01303-18-00002
Products that aren’t published on the website with an ECID number are not allowed to be sold or distributed in the UK and will be seized by authorities.
How to check if your vaping product is registered?
If you would like to check if your chosen vaping product is approved you can do this online via the MHRA UK government website. Simply type the ECID number located on the packaging, and select apply.
Link to ECIG Website: https://cms.mhra.gov.uk/ecig-new
Vaping Laws
Let’s check out some more current and upcoming vaping laws in the UK.
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create the country’s first smokefree generation, by making the sale of tobacco illegal to anyone born on or after the January 1st 2009. The bill aims to crackdown on youth vaping by introducing vape licences, advertising control, and potential flavour and packaging rules.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently at report stage in the House of Lords meaning we are still unsure which laws will pass. However, we hope for some clarity in the next few months.
Read more about it in our blog, Tobacco and Vapes Bill – What does it means for vapers?.
Disposable Vape Ban
On June 1st 2025, the UK government placed a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes. The ban aimed to combat environmental damage, prevent youth vaping, and reduce fire risks.
Since the ban we have seen a rise in 2ml+10ml big puff vapes. As well as post ban compliant alternatives, such as the Lost Mary BM6000 Prefilled Pod Kit and the Hayati Pro Max Plus.
Vaping in public
There are no laws that stop people vaping in public, unlike smoking which is illegal inside public buildings. Although, most places have their own rules and regulations.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s fine to vape anywhere you can smoke. But, some pubs and businesses allow vaping indoors as long as it’s not excessive. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask to avoid any trouble.
It’s important to note that under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, there are talks to regulate vaping in public places such as pubs.
Vaping and driving
Unlike smoking, there aren’t any actual laws to stop you vaping inside a car. That’s because there’s no such thing as second hand clouds.
But, if you’re vaping a lot then it could obstruct your view, which is a crime. Try to keep it to a minimum or wind down your window, that way you’ll still be able to see the road.
Vaping On Public Transport
Vaping is prohibited on public transport in the UK, including buses, trains, tubes, and stations. It is considered an anti social behavior, and staff may ask you to leave or pay a potential fine if uncooperative.
Banned Services Include:
- Arriva and Stagecoach Vehicles as well as local services
- Network Rail Operations
- GWR and Northern Rail
- Manchester Metro
- Transport for London
- Tyne and Wear Metro
Please ensure to each before you travel to avoid unwanted fines or a disturbance to your journey.
Vaping Law in the UK Overview
That’s it for our look at vaping law in the UK Blog! We hope you found this article useful and it helps inform you on current and upcoming regulations.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we can help.
