How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?

Over recent years, we have seen that vaping has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, with its rise in popularity, there are lots of questions and information that you might want to know surrounding vaping laws.

Ever wondered ‘How old do you have to be to vape’? Even if you’re simply just inquisitive, knowing the legal age limits for vaping is crucial to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Luckily for you, this blog post has all the information you need that will tell you how old you have to be to vape.

If you are of legal age, then explore TABlite's range of Disposable Vapes, offering true convenience and hassle-free satisfaction! 

Let’s get into it.

What is the legal age for vaping in the UK?

In the UK, the legal age to vape is 18. In 2015, the UK set this legal vaping age to 18, aligning it with the legal age for purchasing tobacco products. This means that young people have to wait until they are 18 to be able to legally purchase vape products such as disposable vapes, refillable vape kits and nicotine free e-liquids.

The sale of any nicotine-containing products and devices to under 18s is therefore completely prohibited by law.

As of 2024, the Government introduced the Smokefree Generation policy. From 2027, the age of sale for tobacco will be raised by one year each year to prevent future generations from taking up smoking. The government also plans to bring in quicker and simpler £100 on the spot fines for shops in England and Wales which sell tobacco and vapes underage.

Why are there age restrictions for vapes?

The vaping industry, as it evolves and grows, is becoming more and more regulated, which can only be a good thing. Clearer and more centralised regulations on the manufacturing of vape kits and e-liquids guarantee a safer and more reliable vaping experience.

Tighter checks surrounding the sale of all vape products help to keep manufacturers, retailers, and customers, protected, safe, and satisfied.

However, vaping is not recommended for children or young people at all. Because their lungs and brains are still developing, they are more sensitive to its effects. Although nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it is not entirely risk-free.

Therefore, that’s why there is a minimum age of sale for vaping products in the UK. It is also illegal for adults to buy nicotine vaping products on behalf of under-18s.

Legal consequences

If you are under the age of 18 and are caught vaping in the UK, then you may face these consequences:

• Confiscation of vaping devices - if you are under the age of 18 and caught vaping, your e-cigarette or disposable vape may be taken away from you.
• Education and awareness programmes - underage vapers may be required to attend classes or workshops that educate them about the risks associated with vaping and nicotine use.
• Fines - it’s not only underage vapers who can face penalties. Retailers who knowingly sell vaping products to minors can also be held accountable and may face a fine of up to £2500.

In fact, retailers face the most significant consequences as the party responsible for ensuring that age verification processes are followed. Adults who buy vapes or vaping products for those under 18 are engaging in what is called a proxy sale, and also could be subject to a £90 fine.

Vape age verification

Here at TABlites, we use a verification process to verify the age of all of our customers. This is done on a customer’s first order and is often completed automatically by checking the electoral register and other databases to confirm the customer’s age based on their name, address, and phone number inputted. If this doesn’t return as a match, then our system requires the customer to upload ID documents and a selfie.

If this fails, then TABlites requests for a photo of the passport or driving license and we can then manually verify the customer’s age. When ordering products online, some retailers might use third-party age verification before permitting the user to order.

It is also illegal for adults to buy, or be found attempting to buy, tobacco or vaping products for anyone under the age of 18. In our stores, we implement the Challenge 25 policy to ensure that everyone purchasing our products is over the age of 18. We also have a refusals register, where we record times of refusal due to age.

For more information, you can read this in-depth guide about Tobacco and Vape Laws.

At TABlites, you must be 18 or older to be able to buy any of our products.

How old do you have to be to vape in other countries?

Vaping age restrictions vary from country to country. Like in the UK, most countries that belong to the European Union have an age restriction of 18 years old with a few exceptions.

The countries where vaping products can be sold to 18-year-olds include:

• Members of the European Union (Exceptions are Belgium, where you can be 16, and Norway, where you need a doctor’s referral)
• Algeria
• China
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Fiji
• Georgia
• Malaysia
• Moldova
• Vietnam

South Korea is the only country that allows the purchase of vaping liquids and cigarettes at the age of 19.

In America, the age limit for vaping has changed from 18/19 to 21 years old. This rule has been in action since December 2019, making it illegal for retailers to market cigarettes, e-liquids, and e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21.

Fix your cravings with TABlites!

Hopefully, this blog has answered your question ‘How old do you have to be to vape in the UK’. As we have mentioned above, the legal age to vape in the UK is 18 and older, and if you are caught vaping and you are under the age of 18, you could be at risk of a fine.

If you are over the age of 18, then check out some of TABlites’ Vape Kits, suitable for all vapers and extremely easy to use.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any enquiries or questions. Or, you can check out some of our Vape Guides for a detailed understanding of some of our best and most popular products!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you allowed to vape at 16 in the UK?

In the UK, the legal age for buying vapes is 18, which is in line with the legal age for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products. This age restriction is in place to protect young people and it is completely illegal to sell vapes to those under the age of 18.

Why do teens vape?

There are many reasons why young people might vape. E-cigarette marketing and advertising, the availability of appealing flavours, social media influencers, and peer pressure all play a role in why youth start or continue to vape.

What are the legal consequences for violating age restrictions on vaping?

Violating the age restrictions on vaping can lead to legal penalties for retailers, including fines, restricted sales orders, and potentially licence revocation. Age restrictions apply to all vaping products, including nicotine-free products.

Is vaping in the UK regulated?

Yes, vaping in the UK is heavily regulated. The primary regulation for vape products in the UK is the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. These regulations impose legal requirements on companies to test devices and liquids and notify the results to the authorities.