UK vape rules in 2026: what you can and can't buy
1 September 2026 · Airliftr
A plain-English summary of the current UK rules on vapes — the disposable ban, tank and nicotine limits, MHRA notification, age of sale and what changes with the Tobacco and Vapes Act.
The rules around vaping products in the UK have changed a lot recently. Here is what they mean for you as a customer.
Age of sale
Vapes, e-liquids and other nicotine products can only be sold to people aged 18 or over, whether or not they contain nicotine. It is also an offence for an adult to buy them on behalf of someone under 18. Retailers are expected to check ID — Airliftr uses Challenge 25 on every collection and delivery.
Disposable vapes are banned
Since 1 June 2025 it has been illegal to sell single-use disposable vapes anywhere in the UK. A legal device must be both rechargeable and refillable (or take replaceable pods or coils). If you see disposables for sale, they are being sold illegally.
Product limits
Legal vaping products must be notified to the MHRA before sale and must meet the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations:
- Maximum tank or pod capacity of 2 ml
- Maximum nicotine strength of 20 mg/ml (2%)
- Nicotine e-liquid sold in bottles of no more than 10 ml
- Child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging with the required health warning
Vaping products duty
From 1 October 2026 a new duty applies to e-liquid, which is why prices for e-liquid have risen. Duty-paid products carry a stamp.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
The Act gives the government powers to restrict vape flavours, packaging and where products are displayed, and bans most vape advertising and sponsorship from 1 June 2027. Retailers will need a licence to sell vapes and tobacco under a scheme still being finalised. The Act also brings in the smoke-free generation rule for tobacco: from 1 January 2027, nobody born on or after 1 January 2009 can be sold tobacco products.
What this means at Airliftr
We only stock reusable devices and MHRA-notified e-liquids, we ask for your date of birth at checkout, and we check photo ID before handing anything over. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and are intended for existing adult smokers and vapers. If you want to stop smoking or vaping, free help is available from NHS Better Health.
Airliftr sells age-restricted products to adults 18+ only. Nicotine is highly addictive; smoking harms your health. This guide is factual product information, not medical advice.
