How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?

How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?

Over the past decade, vaping using electronic cigarettes has become an increasingly popular choice for ex-smokers to quit smoking. Vaping is a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes and a more successful nicotine therapy tool than other nicotine and tobacco products.

Quit Smoking And Switch To Vaping

Public Health England (PHE) published an independent report; it was concluded that vaping is 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Although e-cigs are not risk-free, the benefits outweigh the negatives compared to tobacco products.

It was reported by the Action On Smoking And Health (ASH) that as of August 2022, there are 4.3 million active vapers in the UK. An increasing trend and popularity will undoubtedly lead to underage vaping and teens trying to get hold of vaping products. We are here to go through the legal vaping age in the UK and other countries worldwide.

Legal Age To Vape In The UK

The minimum age to vape and purchase vaping products in the UK is 18. This entails the requirement that you're 18 or older to purchase vape products such as e-cigarettes and e-liquids, which is the same if you want to purchase tobacco products. Vape shops in-store or online cannot sell vaping products to anyone under 18.

Companies have strict severance tests to ensure they have complied with UK legislation. UK vaping laws are governed by the EU Tobacco Products Directive, which was translated into UK law by the Tobacco-Related Product Regulations (TRPR).

Vendors breaking the law and who are found to selling vaping products to children will be hit with a minimum fine of £2500.

Is the legal Age The Same For (Zero) Nicotine Free Vape Juice?

Although this is a grey area. Nicotine-free e-liquid is still classed as a vaping accessory, and the age restrictions are the same as nicotine products. Therefore it is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase nicotine-free e-liquid.

Vaping Age Restrictions Worldwide

Vaping laws and restrictions vary across the world. Many countries have their own views on e-cigarettes and vaping.

Europe

Europe has the same laws in pretty much every country. The legal get to vape is 18. Countries include France, Germany, Italy and Spain. TPD laws were introduced in 2016, and even though the UK is out of the EU after Brexit, they still have not moved away from these laws.

America

In America, a federal law was passed where the minimum age to vape is 21. However, as this is only federal law, vaping laws vary across states. Some states, such as Arizona and Alabama, have a minimum age of 19; in California and Oregon, you have to be 21.

China

In China, you have to be 18 to purchase and use e-cigarettes.

Canada

The minimum age to buy or sell vaping products in Canada is 18. However, some province laws have increased this to ages 19-21.

Australia

It is illegal to purchase vapes in Australia unless a doctor has medically prescribed it and the minimum age is 18.

Brazil

There is a complete ban on e-cigarettes in Brazil. This includes advertising, imports and sales.

Many countries around the world, like Brazil, still haven't taken the step to become smoke-free and have banned vaping. Countries include Mexico, Turkey, Singapore, Qatar and Thailand.

For more expert information on the legal vaping age, check out our articles can I vape at 16 In the UK and do you need ID to buy a vape?