How Old Do You Have to Be to Vape in the UK?

Vaping has become a prominent trend in recent years with its growing popularity (5.6 million adults) in the UK. As the nicotine products’ market evolves, it is necessary to check and observe the legal limitations about them, either you're considering vaping or simply want to be informed.

The core rule is clear, i.e., legal vape age in UK is 18, and it is prohibited to sell e-cigarettes, e-liquids and relevant products to anyone below the mentioned age. This law came into effect on October 1, 2015, marking a notable step in managing access to these products.

This age bracket is comprehensive and applies to a wide collection of vaping products and accessories, including:

• All vape devices
• Coils and atomisers
• Vape juice (whether it contains nicotine or not)
• Heated tobacco products

Retailers bear a big responsibility in sustaining “legal age to vape” restrictions on vaping products. They are legally required to verify the customers/buyers’ ages for all sales, whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online. Many adhere to a "Challenge 25" policy, which means if a customer is under 25, they must show valid identification.

Non-compliance results in different penalties for retailers that include:

• Fines up to £2,500 are being introduced, alongside new rules that include £100 on-the-spot fines. Authorities reinvest these proceeds into upcoming enforcement efforts.
• Cancellation of their business license.
• Damage to their business' reputation.

Mainly, the UK law focuses on preventing underage sales, but there are also other observations required from individuals:

• Under 18s: People under 18 can’t shop for vaping products.

There are currently no direct penalties (from the law) for underage individuals who are caught vaping. Instead, the rules include confiscation of devices or require to attend training sessions about the health risks.

• Adults Buying for Minors: It is illegal for an adult to purchase vaping products on behalf of anyone under 18. This is known as "proxy purchasing" and is highly discouraged by official government sources. Further, the trading standards confirm it is indeed an offence with potential on-the-spot fines of £90 or criminal prosecution for the adult buyer.

The primary reason behind these strict regulations is to safeguard the health and well-being of young people. Vaping is intended for adults who are either current smokers looking for a less harmful alternative or who have made an informed decision to use nicotine products. It is not recommended for non-smokers, especially children and young people, due to health implications.

Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free, particularly for underdeveloped lungs and brains. Most vape liquids contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance, and the developing brain is more sensitive to its effects.

Multiple studies also reflect potential associations between vaping and mental health conditions in young people, though direct causation is still being studied. Further, there are concerns about exposure to other toxins, while the long-term effects of vaping are under investigation.

For further official guidance and detailed information on vape age in UK, other vaping laws and public health advice in the UK, you can consult:

• GOV.UK: The official website of the UK government gives detailed information on regulations and policies, including the ban on single-use vapes (effective from June 1, 2025) and the ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
• NHS Better Health: Provides resources and facts about vaping, including common myths and how vaping fits into smoking cessation efforts.
• Trading Standards: Your local Trading Standards office can offer specific guidance on retail regulations and how to report underage sales.
• Action on Smoking and Health (ASH): A public health charity that offers extensive information and statistics on youth vaping and related policies.