The regulations cover many areas, including nicotine strength, bottle sizes, ingredients, packaging, product notifications, age limits and taxation. Some important changes introduced in October 2026 will also affect the vaping industry throughout 2027.

Whether you are a regular consumer or a vaping retailer, knowing these requirements can help you make better decisions. This guide explains the main UK rules and regulations for E-Liquid in 2027 in simple language.

1. Understanding UK E-Liquid Regulations

The UK has specific laws that control the quality and sale of vaping products. One of the main laws is the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. It sets rules for nicotine-containing liquids, refill bottles and electronic cigarettes.

These rules apply to manufacturers, importers and retailers selling vaping products in the UK. They also help consumers understand what they are buying and ensure that products meet basic safety requirements.

In 2027, businesses must continue following existing product rules while also meeting newer requirements related to vaping taxes, duty stamps, age restrictions and product sales.

2. Maximum Nicotine Strength for E-Liquid

Nicotine strength is one of the most important parts of UK vaping regulations. The law sets a clear limit on how much nicotine can be included in vaping liquids sold to consumers.

The maximum legal nicotine strength is 20mg/ml. Products containing a higher nicotine level cannot legally be sold as consumer vaping products in the UK.

Common nicotine strengths available within the legal limit include 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg and 20mg. The available options may vary depending on the product.

This rule applies to different types of nicotine used in vaping liquids. Manufacturers must check their product strength before supplying it to retailers.

Consumers should always read the product label to understand the nicotine level before purchasing a liquid.

3. Bottle Size and Refill Container Rules

UK regulations also set limits on the size of vaping containers. These rules help control the amount of nicotine liquid supplied in individual bottles and devices.

The main size restrictions are:

• Nicotine-containing refill bottles must not exceed 10ml.

• Vape tanks and cartridges must not have a capacity greater than 2ml.

• Nicotine strength must not exceed 20mg/ml.

The following table explains these limits:

Manufacturers and retailers must check these limits before selling products. Consumers should also check the packaging to make sure their products follow UK requirements.

4. Ingredients and Quality Requirements

The ingredients used in vaping liquids must meet specific safety requirements. Manufacturers cannot include any substance without considering its safety and suitability.

Nicotine-containing E-Liquid must be made using high-purity ingredients. The ingredients should not create unacceptable health risks when the liquid is heated or used.

Certain additives are restricted under UK rules. These include colourings in emissions, caffeine and taurine. Manufacturers must also avoid ingredients that suggest vaping products provide health benefits.

Product ingredients should match the information provided during the official notification process. If a manufacturer makes significant changes to a product, a new notification may be required.

Consumers should always check the ingredient information and avoid products with unclear or missing details.

5. Packaging and Child Safety Requirements

Packaging is important because nicotine liquids can be harmful if swallowed or handled incorrectly. UK regulations require suitable safety features to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

Nicotine-containing refill bottles must have child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging. They should also be designed to prevent leaks and breakage during normal handling.

The packaging must provide clear product information and instructions. Consumers should store vaping liquids in a safe place, away from children and pets.

These requirements help reduce accidents and make vaping products safer to store and handle.

6. Labelling and Health Warning Rules

Clear labels help consumers understand what a vaping product contains and what risks may be involved.

Nicotine-containing products must display important information, including:

• A list of ingredients in descending order by weight.

• The nicotine content and delivery information.

• The product batch number.

• The required nicotine addiction warning.

• Instructions and other relevant safety information.

The required health warning is:

"This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance."

Relevant products must also include a leaflet explaining how to use and store them, possible side effects, risks for certain groups and the manufacturer's contact details.

Retailers should make sure that the products they sell have the correct labels and safety information.

7. Product Notification Requirements

Before nicotine-containing vaping products can be legally sold in the UK, manufacturers and importers must complete the required notification process.

The notification process is managed through the relevant UK medicines regulator. It requires businesses to provide information about their products, including ingredients, nicotine strength, emissions and manufacturing details.

Each product and its different versions must have the correct notification. Businesses should check that the relevant product information has been published before supplying it to customers.

If a manufacturer makes a major change to a product's ingredients or design, a new notification may be needed.

Following this process helps ensure that products meet the required standards before reaching the market.

8. Vaping Products Duty in 2027

One of the biggest changes affecting the UK vaping market is the introduction of Vaping Products Duty. This tax came into effect on 1 October 2026 and continues to affect the industry throughout 2027.

The duty is £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid. It applies to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free liquids.

For example, the duty amount is:

Approved manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers are generally responsible for paying the duty. Businesses may include this additional cost in their selling prices.

As a result, consumers may notice changes in the prices of vaping products during 2027.

9. Mandatory Vaping Duty Stamps from April 2027

Another important change is the introduction of mandatory vaping duty stamps.

From 1 April 2027, vaping products sold in the UK must carry the required valid duty stamp, subject to the applicable rules.

These stamps help identify products that meet the relevant tax requirements. They also make it easier for authorities to track products and reduce illegal sales.

A transition period allows eligible existing unstamped stock to be sold until 31 March 2027. Retailers should review their stock and prepare for the deadline to avoid selling products that do not meet the new requirements.

Consumers should purchase vaping products from reliable sellers and check that the packaging meets the applicable rules.

10. Age Restrictions for Buying E-Liquid

The minimum legal age for purchasing vaping products in the UK is 18. From 29 October 2026, this restriction applies to nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping products across the UK.

Retailers must take reasonable steps to check the age of customers. Online sellers must also have suitable age-verification systems.

Adults are not allowed to buy vaping products on behalf of anyone under 18. This is known as proxy purchasing.

Retailers who sell products to underage customers may face penalties or other legal action.

These rules aim to prevent young people from accessing vaping products.

11. Restrictions on Free Samples and Discounts

New rules introduced from 29 October 2026 also affect how vaping products can be promoted.

Businesses cannot give free vaping products or promotional coupons to members of the public to encourage purchases. Certain discount offers designed to promote sales are also restricted.

However, ordinary price reductions to clear unsold stock and permitted trade discounts may still be possible.

Retailers should review their marketing campaigns and make sure their offers follow the current requirements.

Summary

The UK rules and regulations for 2027 bring important changes for vaping manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Existing requirements continue to control nicotine strength, bottle sizes, ingredients, packaging and product notifications. New measures also introduce vaping duty, mandatory duty stamps and stricter age restrictions.

Understanding these rules is important when buying or selling E-Liquid in the UK. Consumers should choose properly labelled products from reliable retailers, while businesses must keep their products and sales practices compliant.

At FogFathers, staying informed about vaping product requirements is important for understanding changes in the UK market and making informed choices. Keeping up with the latest regulations will help consumers and retailers stay prepared throughout 2027.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum nicotine strength allowed in the UK?

The maximum legal nicotine strength for consumer vaping products in the UK is 20mg/ml. Any nicotine-containing E-Liquid sold above this limit does not meet the standard UK consumer product requirements.

2. Can I buy 50ml vaping liquid in the UK?

Yes, larger bottles of nicotine-free vaping liquid can be sold if they meet the relevant rules. However, nicotine-containing refill bottles must not exceed 10ml under the current UK regulations.

3. When does Vaping Products Duty apply?

Vaping Products Duty started on 1 October 2026. It applies to nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping liquids at a rate of £2.20 per 10ml, which may affect retail prices.

4. Are duty stamps required on vaping products in 2027?

Yes, the mandatory Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme starts on 1 April 2027. Retailers must make sure products sold after the transition period meet the applicable stamping requirements.

5. Can anyone under 18 purchase E-Liquid in the UK?

No, purchasing vaping products is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Retailers must check customer ages, and adults cannot legally purchase vaping products on behalf of underage individuals.