Introduction
Vaping laws differ all over the world, but in the UK, there are strict rules to protect youth from vape products. In this article, we'll go over the UK's age-related vaping laws, including what the rules are for buying and using electronic devices and e-liquids.
We'll also discuss why some young people might be drawn to vaping and why it's important to keep e-cigarettes out of their hands. Plus, we'll share what we do at Royal Flush Vape to make sure that only people of legal vaping age can get vape products, whether they're shopping online or in-store.
By the time you finish reading this article, you'll have a clear picture of the current vaping laws in the UK, why they exist, and why they're crucial for protecting young people.
Summary: In the UK, vaping laws which originated in 2015 require individuals to be at least 18 years old to purchase products containing nicotine. The law is set out to safeguard children from vaping with issues including early nicotine addiction or attraction to illegal vapes. There are no current age restrictions for zero nicotine vapes but at Royal Flush Vape require age verification for any product purchased from us online or in store.
What is the UK vaping age law?
In the UK, there are strict regulations in place that govern the sale and purchase of vaping products, particularly to protect minors. Below we highlight the key elements of the UK vaping age law:
Illegal to purchase e-liquids containing nicotine under the age of 18: It is against the law for individuals under the age of 18 to buy e-liquids that contain nicotine. This regulation is in place to prevent youth from accessing addictive substances.
Illegal to sell e-liquids containing nicotine to anybody under the age of 18: Retailers are prohibited from selling nicotine-containing e-liquids to minors. This law extends to both physical stores and online retailers.
£2,500 maximum fine to vendors breaking this law: Vendors caught selling vaping products to underage individuals face hefty fines. This substantial penalty serves as a strong deterrent against violating the age restrictions.
When did the UK age restrict vaping?
Although vaping has been available in the UK for many years, it wasn't until 2015 that the legal age for purchasing vaping products was set at 18 [1]. This decision was part of a broader effort to align vaping laws with existing tobacco regulations, reflecting the growing concern about the potential health risks of vaping among young people.
The law was further reinforced with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in March 2024 [2], which emphasised the illegal act of purchasing tobacco-related products for individuals under 18, even by adults of legal age.
Why is vaping age-restricted?
Vaping is age-restricted in the UK primarily to protect young people from nicotine which is highly addictive, and exposure during adolescence can have long-term effects on brain development [3].
Additionally, vaping is argued by the government to be a gateway to smoking conventional cigarettes, increasing the likelihood of lifelong addiction, however we discuss this point further on in this article. Regardless of the evidence discussed, the restrictions are intended to prevent minors from starting to vape and to reduce nicotine addiction in the youth population.
How old to buy a vape in the UK
In the UK, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase vaping products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids legally. Retailers are required to check the age of customers, typically through ID verification, to ensure compliance with the law.
At Royal Flush Vape, we are committed to preventing youth access to vaping and related products. While providing a safer alternative to cigarettes, we prioritise protecting children. Our website uses 1account age verification [4], and all our stores adhere to the Challenge 25 policy along with Innovative Technology, MyCheckr [5]. Our staff are also trained and monitored to ensure that anyone who appears under 25 is asked to verify their age.
Zero nicotine vapes age requirement
Although nicotine-free vapes are not currently regulated the same as products containing nicotine in the UK, the government has announced that there will be a review into banning the vaping industry from selling ‘nicotine-free’ vapes to those under 18 [6]. They state that "this will ensure our rules keep up with the way that vaping products are being used."
Here at Royal Flush Vape, we treat all electronic cigarette products the same regardless if they contain nicotine or not. For this reason, we require age verification to be carried out on any order from us both online or in-store. We believe that all vaping products should be limited to those over the age of 18, we also advise that vaping should only be started as a way to replace or prevent smoking for those of the legal smoking/vaping age.
What is the UK legal age to vape?
The legal age to vape in the United Kingdom is 18 years old. This regulation applies to all vaping products which contain nicotine including vape kits and e-liquids. The primary aim of this age restriction is to protect young people from the health risks associated with underage vaping, particularly nicotine addiction and its potential impact on brain development.
Is it illegal to vape under the age of 18?
Yes, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to vape in the UK. This includes the use, possession, and purchase of vaping products. The law aims to protect minors from the potential health risks of vaping underage and to prevent the start of nicotine use at a young age.
Why do young people vape?
Young people may be drawn to vaping for various reasons, however, data carried out by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in July 2024 [7] highlighted that 51% of youth say they vape "just to give it a try", with a further 10% of those who have never smoked highlighted they do so because of stress or mental health.
In a survey carried out by the University of Waterloo over multiple years [8], their findings highlighted that 39% of those aged between 16-19 in the UK vaped to deal with stress or anxiety with a further 43% saying they vape for fun, or they like it.
Although there are numerous studies conducted regularly, there is no set answer as to why young people vape electronic cigarettes, however, it is important to monitor trends to ensure that we safeguard children against vaping.
Why do teens vape?
The reasons behind teen vaping may closely match the reasons highlighted above. Research carried out by ASH and the University of Waterloo both point to stress and anxiety being leading factors in teenagers beginning to vape. The findings are mirrored in the UK, Canada, and America.
Why is vaping bad for teens?
Although it is publically argued that vaping can be a gateway to youth smoking cigarettes, experts discussed this statement via the Science Media Centre (SMC) with findings [9] pointing towards lack of evidence to support the claim.
“Although well-conducted, this type of study cannot prove that vaping causes young people to start smoking or to smoke more than they should have in the absence of e-cigarettes – a limitation acknowledged by the authors.” - Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Associate Professor in Evidence-Based Policy and Practice, University of Oxford.
“If vaping led to smoking, we would see an increase in smoking rates among young people since vaping came along. In reality, the decline in smoking among young people has accelerated.” - Professor Peter Hajek, Director of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London.
Regardless of the potential highlighted, we believe that no children should have access to vaping. Vendors and suppliers should do everything in their power to prevent youth access to vape products which is something we heavily age gate at Royal Flush to prevent children gaining access to these products.
Underage vape use concerns
There are two core areas for concern when it comes to teens vaping. Below we highlight the issues attached which include early nicotine addiction and the possible attraction to illegal vapes:
Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and its use during adolescence can harm brain development, potentially affecting memory, concentration, and learning.
Attraction to illegal vapes: Teenagers might be drawn to illegal or unregulated vaping products that do not comply with safety standards. These products can contain harmful substances, unknown chemicals, and inconsistent nicotine levels, posing significant health risks.
What is the importance of vape age verification?
Age verification is crucial to protect young people from underage vaping. By ensuring that only individuals aged 18 and over can purchase vaping products, age verification helps prevent minors from accessing nicotine, which is highly addictive.
Effective age verification measures, including ID checks and advanced online verification systems such as 1account, are essential for enforcing legal age restrictions, promoting responsible retail practices, and ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of the youth.
What we do
At Royal Flush Vape, we are dedicated to preventing youth access to vaping products through a range of measures. We utilise 1account age verification on our website to prevent underage purchases online and enforce a Challenge 25 Policy in all physical stores, requiring anyone who appears under 25 to provide ID.
We have also introduced MyCheckr Technology, which uses a front-facing camera and advanced AI to estimate age, indicating with a red light when an ID check is needed or a green light when the customer is likely of legal age.
Our staff receive ongoing training to effectively use these technologies and enforce age verification policies. Additionally, we apply age verification to all vape products, including nicotine-free ones, to ensure compliance with legal age restrictions. Customers have positively responded to our efforts, enhancing community trust and demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding children and promoting responsible retail practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the stringent age restrictions on vaping in the UK reflect a robust commitment to safeguarding young people from the potential harms associated with nicotine use and vaping. With the legal age set at 18 for purchasing and using vape products, the UK aims to prevent underage exposure to addictive substances and minimise the risks of early nicotine addiction.
At Royal Flush Vape, we take these regulations seriously and have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure compliance, including rigorous age verification both online and in-store. By prioritising these safeguards, we support public health goals and contribute to a safer environment for young people. As the landscape of vaping continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and adherence to age restrictions will remain crucial in protecting youth and promoting responsible vaping practices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No, it is illegal to vape at 16 in the UK. The law strictly prohibits the sale and use of vaping products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids that contain nicotine, to individuals under the age of 18.
You must be at least 18 years old to vape in the UK. This age restriction is enforced to prevent young people from accessing nicotine-containing products.
You can buy a vape at the age of 18 in the UK. Retailers are required by law to verify the age of purchasers, typically through ID checks, to ensure that only those who are legally of age can buy vaping products. This applies to both physical stores and online retailers.
If you are caught vaping under 18 in the UK, you may have your vaping products confiscated. Additionally, retailers who sell vaping products to minors can face significant penalties, including fines up to £2,500.
No, you cannot legally vape at 16 in the UK. The legal age for purchasing and using vaping products is 18, and this regulation is in place to protect young people from the potential health risks associated with vaping underage.
Yes, vapes are age-restricted in the UK. The law mandates that only individuals who are 18 years or older can purchase and use vaping products that contain nicotine.
No, even with parental permission, it is illegal to vape at 16 in the UK. The law does not allow any exceptions for minors under 18, regardless of parental consent.
The legal age to vape varies by country in Europe, but it is generally set at 18. This age restriction aligns with efforts to protect young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction at an early age. Countries including France, Germany, and Spain all have set the legal age for purchasing and using vaping products at 18.
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