It's been a few months since the most recent changes in vaping regulations. If you buy from a local vape shop, it helps to know what is and is not legal. UK vaping rules are focused on safety, preventing youth uptake, and reducing waste. This guide explains the current rules in plain language, points you towards legal product types, and flags what retailers and vapers need to watch for. I also mention a few popular brands you may search for in our store, such as Vaporesso, OXVA and Riot Squad, to make internal linking easy.

The legal basics at a glance

The core rules that matter to vapers and retailers are:

• Nicotine strength cannot exceed 20 mg per millilitre for e-liquids.

• E-liquid refill bottles may be sold in sizes up to 10 ml only.

• Refillable tanks, pods and cartridges must not be larger than 2 ml capacity.

• Single-use disposable vapes are banned from sale and supply from 1 June 2025. Reusable, rechargeable and refillable devices remain legal when they comply with the regulations.

These rules come from the UK’s e-cigarette regulations and recent government measures aimed at reducing litter and youth vaping. Retailers selling nicotine products must follow product notification, packaging and child-safety requirements.

What product types are still legal to buy

Here is a practical breakdown of common device types and whether they remain legal to sell in the UK:

Rechargeable refillable kits and mods

These are legal. Refillable vape kits that allow you to top up e-liquid, replace coils, and recharge batteries are the compliant alternative to disposables. Popular manufacturers such as Vaporesso and OXVA produce many TPD compliant pod kits and mods that meet the 2 ml tank and 20 mg/ml nicotine rules. Retailers and online vape shops continue to stock these devices.

Pod systems with replaceable or refillable pods

Legally sold when the pods or cartridges meet the 2 ml limit and the device is rechargeable. Pod systems remain a common choice because they are compact and simple to use while staying within current rules.

E-liquids and shortfills

E-liquids containing nicotine must be in bottles of 10 ml or less and at or below 20 mg/ml nicotine. Nicotine-free e-liquids have fewer size restrictions but must still comply with labelling and ingredient rules. The Riot Squad brand is an example of an e-liquid label often available in compliant formats in reputable shops.

Replacement coils and tanks

Spare coils, glass tanks and other replaceable parts for refillable systems are legal. They help extend device lifespans and reduce waste compared with single-use products.

Single-use or disposable vapes

These are no longer legal to sell in the UK from 1 June 2025. This ban covers non-rechargeable, single-use items even if they contain no nicotine. The law requires that vapes sold must be rechargeable, refillable and have replaceable coils when relevant. Retailers had a transition period to sell existing stock and must now follow the new rule.

How the rules affect shoppers and local vape shops

If you are a vaper, the practical effect is that you will find more rechargeable and refillable kits on the shelves and fewer disposable options. Online vape shops must take down single-use items and ensure the products they sell meet notification and packaging rules. Local vape shops may still sell remaining legal stock for a short period during rollouts, but the focus now is on sustainable refillable products.

For anyone switching away from disposables to refillable kits, you will likely save money in the long run and create less waste. Refillable systems are also available in a wide range of vape kits and strengths to suit former disposable users.

Safety and compliance tips for buying vapes

• Buy from reputable local vape shops or an online vape shop that displays MHRA or TRPR-compliance information. Look for product notifications and clear labelling.

• Check nicotine strength on the bottle. Any nicotine-containing e-liquid should show the mg/ml amount and a nicotine warning.

• Avoid unregulated imports or cheap disposables from unknown sellers. These may bypass safety checks and create health or fire risks.

• Choose refillable kits and replaceable coils to reduce waste and make the device last longer. Popular brands such as Vaporesso and OXVA offer many high-quality refillable kits.

What retailers should be aware of

Vape retailers must ensure products are registered where required and comply with packaging, child-safety and labelling rules. The single-use ban means retailers should update stock lists and product pages and remove any disposable listings. Trading standards and environmental regulations are enforcing the ban, so businesses should follow official guidance.

FAQs

What exactly was banned on 1 June 2025?

From 1 June 2025 the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes became illegal in the UK. This includes non-rechargeable devices that cannot be refilled or recharged. The ban applies to physical stores and online sellers across the UK.

Can I still use disposables I already own?

Yes. The ban targets sale and supply. Possessing and using disposable vapes that were bought legally prior to the ban is not a criminal offence for an ordinary consumer, but selling or supplying them now is restricted. Check manufacturer guidance for safe storage and disposal.

Are refillable pod kits legal?

Refillable pod kits and rechargeable devices are legal when they meet the 2 ml tank limit, 20 mg/ml nicotine cap and required packaging and notification rules. These kits are now the mainstream legal alternative to disposables.

What nicotine strengths can I buy?

Nicotine e-liquids are limited to a maximum of 20 mg per ml. Many vapers choose lower strengths such as 3 mg, 6 mg or 12 mg depending on preference. All nicotine products should be clearly labelled.

Do UK rules affect brands like Vaporesso, OXVA and Riot Squad?

Yes. Brands must sell products that meet UK regulations. Companies such as Vaporesso and OXVA have many compliant pod kits and vape kits that fit the rules. E-liquid brands such as Riot Squad appear in compliant bottle sizes and strengths in regulated markets. Retailers often create internal links to these brand pages to help customers find legal options.

Final notes

The regulatory landscape for vaping in the UK continues to evolve. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations and related environmental rules set the technical standards of what is legal. The move away from disposables aims to reduce litter and youth access while keeping safer nicotine alternatives available to adult smokers who want to quit. If you are shopping for vape kits or e-liquids, look for clear labelling, buy from reputable local vape shops or trustworthy online vape shops, and choose rechargeable, refillable devices for the best compliance and sustainability.