Rules Related to Sales

Across the UK, it is illegal to sell vape products to anyone under the age of 18. However, it’s worth noting that there are different regulations in place for the sale of vaping products in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

England & Wales

  • It is illegal to sell vape products (including e-liquids or devices) to anyone under the age of 18. There is an exception for nicotine vapour products licensed as medicines or medical devices.
  • It is illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy tobacco, cigarette papers, or nicotine inhaling products for someone under 18. This is a ‘proxy purchase’, and the buyer – not the seller – commits an offence.

Scotland

  • It is illegal to sell vape products to anyone under the age of 18. There is an exception for nicotine vapour products licensed as medicines or medical devices.
  • It is illegal for staff under the age of 18 to make a sale without written authorisation.
  • Businesses must have an age verification policy in place.
  • It is illegal to sell vape products through a vending machine.
  • Digital age verification is not currently permitted for sales of vaping products.

Northern Ireland

  • It is illegal to sell nicotine inhaling products to persons aged under 18. There is an exception for those with a prescription and/or a nicotine inhaling medicinal product or medical device.
  • It is illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy nicotine inhaling products on behalf of someone under 18. This is a ‘proxy purchase‘ and is an offence.
  • All retailers who sell tobacco or ENDS must also have an age verification system in place to show that they took ‘all reasonable precautions’ and exercised ‘all due diligence’ to prevent underage sales. For example, this could include staff training.