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Tag: UK vape laws

  • UK Vape Rules After the Disposable Ban: What Shops Can Sell in 2026

    UK Vape Rules After the Disposable Ban: What Shops Can Sell in 2026

    The rules for selling vapes in the UK have changed a lot since 2025. If you run a vape shop, convenience store or newsagent, this checklist covers what you can stock in 2026 and what to watch out for. It is a summary, not legal advice, so always check the latest guidance from the government and your local Trading Standards.

    1. Single-use vapes are banned

    Since 1 June 2025, it has been illegal to sell or supply single-use (disposable) vapes anywhere in the UK, whether they contain nicotine or not. A vape must be rechargeable and refillable or have replaceable pods to be sold. That is why the market has moved to:

    2. Product limits (TRPR)

    Rule Limit
    Nicotine strength Maximum 20mg/ml
    Nicotine e-liquid bottle Maximum 10ml
    Tank or pod capacity Maximum 2ml
    Notification Nicotine products must be notified to the MHRA

    Shortfills with no nicotine can be sold in larger bottles.

    3. Vaping Products Duty and duty stamps

    From 1 October 2026, all vaping liquids carry a duty of £2.20 per 10ml, with a duty stamp on the packaging. Eligible unstamped stock can be sold until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, only stamped products can be sold. Buy from suppliers who can show the stamp and keep your purchase records. Our duty guide has more detail.

    4. Age of sale

    It is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18. Many shops use a Challenge 25 policy, train staff, and keep a refusals log. Online sellers must use age verification at checkout.

    5. Advertising

    Nicotine vape advertising is heavily restricted in the UK, including on social media. Keep in-store and online information factual.

    Stocking compliant products

    We focus on rechargeable and refillable products within UK limits. Open a trade account to see wholesale pricing.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I still sell my old disposable stock?

    No. Selling single-use vapes has been illegal since 1 June 2025, including old stock.

    Do 0mg products need a duty stamp?

    Yes. The Vaping Products Duty applies to all vaping liquids, with or without nicotine.

    Are 10K and 15K prefilled pod kits legal?

    Yes, if they are rechargeable, use pods of no more than 2ml and any refill bottles are 10ml or less.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Vaping Products Duty Explained: What the £2.20 per 10ml Tax Means for UK Vapers (2026)

    Vaping Products Duty Explained: What the £2.20 per 10ml Tax Means for UK Vapers (2026)

    On 1 October 2026 the UK introduced a new tax on vaping liquids, called the Vaping Products Duty. If you have noticed prices change on e-liquids, nic salts or prefilled pods, this is the reason. This guide explains, in plain English, what the duty is, what it covers and what it means for you as a customer or a vape shop.

    What is the Vaping Products Duty?

    The Vaping Products Duty is a flat excise tax of £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid. It applies to all vaping liquids sold in the UK, whether they contain nicotine or not. That means it covers:

    • 10ml nic salts and freebase e-liquids
    • Shortfill e-liquids (50ml, 100ml and other sizes)
    • Nicotine shots
    • Prefilled pods and the liquid inside prefilled pod kits

    The duty is charged on the volume of liquid, so a larger bottle carries more duty than a smaller one. Hardware with no liquid in it, such as an empty refillable pod kit, a tank or a pack of coils, does not carry the duty.

    How much does it add to the price?

    Because the rate is fixed per 10ml, it is simple to work out:

    • A 10ml bottle of nic salt carries £2.20 of duty.
    • A 2ml prefilled pod carries around 44p of duty.
    • A 50ml shortfill carries £11.00 of duty, and a 100ml shortfill carries £22.00.

    VAT is then charged on top of the duty-inclusive price, as with other duty-paid goods. The duty is paid by manufacturers and importers when products are released for sale in the UK, so what you see on the shelf already includes it.

    What are vaping duty stamps?

    Alongside the duty, HMRC introduced the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme. Vaping products released for sale in the UK must carry a valid duty stamp to show the duty has been paid. Key dates are:

    • 1 October 2026: the duty and stamps scheme started. Products made or imported from this date must be stamped.
    • Until 31 December 2026: transitional physical stamps can still be fixed to products.
    • From 1 January 2027: only digital duty stamps can be used. These can be scanned to check a product is genuine.
    • Until 31 March 2027: retailers and wholesalers can keep selling eligible unstamped stock they already hold.
    • From 1 April 2027: all vaping products on sale in the UK must carry a valid duty stamp.

    Why it matters when you buy

    Duty stamps make it easier to tell genuine, duty-paid products apart from illegal or counterfeit stock. Unusually cheap e-liquids or pods with no stamp after the sell-through period ends are a warning sign. Buying from a UK retailer that sources from established UK suppliers is the simplest way to stay on the right side of the rules.

    What it means for vape shops and trade buyers

    According to HMRC guidance, retailers and wholesalers that only buy and sell duty-paid products do not need to apply for approval under the duty or stamps scheme. Manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers do need HMRC approval. If you run a shop, the practical steps are:

    • Buy from suppliers who can confirm products are duty paid and stamped.
    • Plan to clear any unstamped stock before 31 March 2027.
    • Check that your prices reflect the duty, especially on shortfills, where it has the biggest effect.

    If you buy for a shop, our nic salts, e-liquids and shortfills are available at trade prices. Email support@vapesdirectwholesale.co.uk to ask about trade pricing.

    Related guides

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the duty apply to nicotine-free e-liquid?

    Yes. The duty applies to all vaping liquids, including 0mg e-liquids and shortfills.

    Is there duty on a refillable pod kit?

    Not on the device itself, as long as it is sold empty. If a kit comes with liquid or prefilled pods, duty applies to that liquid.

    Where can I read the official guidance?

    Full details are published by HMRC on GOV.UK under the Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme guidance.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.