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WORLDWIDE VAPING REGULATIONS

Worldwide Regulation of Vaping Ultimate Guide

6 April 2026

Vaping regulations and taxation vary dramatically across the globe. It is important to understand the current laws of any territory you intend to visit. In addition, the vaping regulations of the region in which you live may have a substantial influence on the way you feel about vaping.

If you live in the United Kingdom, for instance, you probably see vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and recognise it as something that's helping smokers to quit, even if you don't vape or smoke yourself.   On the other hand, if you happen to live in a country where vaping is banned, you might suppose that it is a dangerous practice.

So, is vaping legal where you live or where you're thinking about travelling this year? Are there any underlying circumstances that could cause your nation's vaping regulations to change in the future?

Below we highlight the different ways in which vaping is regulated and where vaping is banned  .

Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. The information presented here is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. However, vaping regulations around the world are in a constant state of flux. There are many nations that have only recently legalised vaping. A few nations are considering the implementation of vaping bans, and there are still other nations that have no vaping regulations at all but will almost certainly implement regulations in the future. 

Vaping Regulations in the USA

Vaping in the United States is regulated at the federal level. Only those 21 or older may vape and products must be approved by the FDA before being marketed. Pre-filled, cartridge-based e-cigarettes with flavours other than menthol and tobacco are not permitted to be sold but flavoured refillable cartridges and single-use disposable e-cigarettes remain available.

States and municipalities are free to institute their own vaping regulations so long as they are more strict than the federal rules. This has led to a confusing situation with each state having different regulations. Many of these regulations relate to where it is permissable to vape. You will find a comprehensive explanation of these rules here.

Further regulations by state:

California

The sale of flavoured e-liquids, ecigs and pods is banned. Only products on a state-approved "Unflavored Tobacco List" are permitted.

The sale of delivery of flavoured vaping products to California residents is prohibited.

The sale and distribution of all e-cigarettes are prohibited in San Francisco.

District of Columbia

A 2022 law prohibits the sale of electronic smoking devices within a quarter-mile of any middle or high school.

Georgia

Vending machine sales are banned, and online sales are restricted.

Nicotine-containing products are considered to be tobacco products, with a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml permitted.

Hawaii

Legislation is currently being considered to ban the sale of disposable vaping devices in Hawaii due to environmental concerns.

Illinois

Senate Bill 3148 (2026) aims to ban all flavoured nicotine products, including menthol, with penalties for businesses including license revocation.

Massachusetts

The sale of flavoured nicotine vaping products (other than tobacco flavours) is heavily restricted.

Michigan

Michigan was the first state to attempt to institute a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes but legal challenges have influenced the scope of flavour bans, making it essential to check current local, state, and federal guidelines on specific flavours.

Minnesota

Several cities in Minnesota have banned flavoured e-liquids other than tobacco. Those cities include Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.

New York

The sale of flavoured e-liquids and e-cigarettes is prohibited in New York State.

Rhode Island

Flavoured vaping products (other than menthol or tobacco) are banned.

Texas

State law bans the sale of single-use disposable vapes that are prefilled with e-liquid in China (or other "foreign adversary" countries).

Vaping Regulations in Canada

Vaping in Canada is regulated federally under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), which sets a minimum age of 18 (often higher provincially) and restricts advertising that appeals to young people. Key regulations prohibit lifestyle advertising, require the display of health warnings, cap nicotine concentrations at 20 mg/ml, and prohibit vaping in federal, work, and public spaces. Federal taxes on vaping products are set at 12%.

Provincial and territorial governments often have additional and usually stricter rules including flavour bans and restrictions on where you can vape.

Additional vaping regulations for Canadian provinces and selected cities: 

Alberta

  1. The legal vaping age in Alberta is 18 years old; individuals must be 18 or older to purchase vaping products..
  2. Provincial law generally allows vaping wherever smoking is permitted. 
  3. Flavours are banned.
  4. Prohibited locations include hospital properties (including buildings, grounds, and parking areas), child care facilities, schools workplaces, public spaces, public vehicles, and vehicles with minors present.
  5. Alberta follows the federal tax schedule.

British Columbia

  1. The legal age for purchasing vapour products in British Columbia is 19 years.
  2. Restrictions on vaping near doorways, windows, or air intakes, with a prescribed distance of 6 meters. Transit shelters are exempt from this rule.

Manitoba

1. Vaping is prohibited in:

Enclosed public places, indoor workplaces, group living facilities, public vehicles, vehicles with children under 16, beaches and playgrounds in provincial parks.

2. Manitoba follows the federal tax schedule.

In Winnipeg, vaping is not permitted:

On outdoor patios, within 30 meters of the playing area during youth sporting events and on playgrounds. Also not permitted within 30 meters of swimming pools, wading pools, spray pads, or spray parks owned or operated by the City of Winnipeg or on the premises of primary, middle, or secondary schools or on the premises of healthcare facilities including areas within 8 meters of an outdoor entrance providing access to healthcare facilities, City of Winnipeg workplaces, or Winnipeg Regional Health Authority workplaces.

New Brunswick

  1. The minimum age to vape is 19 in New Brunswick. 
  2. Vaping is generally permitted where smoking is allowed, but certain municipalities have additional restrictions.
  3. New Brunswick follows the federal tax schedule.

Newfoundland and Labrador

  1. The legal vaping age is 25.
  2. Only tobacco flavours can be sold.
  3. Vaping is prohibited in many public places including workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, public transport, apartment buildings, restaurants and parks.
  4. Vaping is prohibited around building entrances and exits.
  5. New Brunswick follows the federal tax schedule.

Nova Scotia

  1. The legal vaping age in Nova Scotia is 19. 
  2. Provincial law typically permits vaping wherever smoking is allowed. However, local regulations may apply.

Ontario

  1. The legal vaping age is 19. 
  2. Many municipalities in Ontario have passed bylaws restricting vaping in public places such as parks, beaches, trails, and transit facilities.
  3. Most municipalities prohibit vaping within 9 meters of municipal building entrances and exits. Some have extended this restriction to 20 meters around parks, playgrounds, and other recreation facilities.
  4. Vaping is already prohibited in all enclosed workplaces and public places in Ontario.
  5. Ontario follows the federal tax schedule.

Prince Edward Island

  1. The sale of flavours is prohibited.
  2. Vaping is prohibited in hospitals, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational facilities, theatres, video arcades, amusement parks, pharmacies, and specific retail stores.
  3. Prince Edward Island follows the federal tax schedule.

Quebec

  1. The legal vaping age is 18. 
  2. Vaping is generally allowed where smoking is permitted, but local regulations may apply.
  3. The sale of flavoured e-liquids other than tobacco flavours is banned.
  4. The capacity of tanks and pods is restricted to 2ml.
  5. E-liquid bottles must contain 30ml or less.
  6. Quebec follows the federal tax schedule.

Saskatchewan

  1. The minimum vaping age is 19. 
  2. Vaping is permitted where smoking is allowed under provincial law, but some municipalities have additional restrictions in place.

Yukon

  1. The minimum age to purchase vaping products is 19.
  2. Vaping is prohibited in the same public places as smoking, including restaurants, bars, public transport,schools and workplaces.
  3. Vaping is prohibited in vehicles used for work or in those with anyone under 9 present.
  4. Vaping is prohibited within 5 metres of doorways, windows, and air intakes of public places and workplaces.
  5. Hotel rooms can be designated as vaping rooms.
  6. Yukon follows the federal tax schedule.

Vaping Regulations in Europe

Vaping laws vary dramatically across Europe and are constantly being updated. it is incredibly important to check the status of any country you are visiting before travelling with devices and e-liquids.

Albania

There are few regulations regarding vaping in Albania. However, Albania is working on adapting its regulatory framework to the European Union (EU) standards, which may bring stricter rules on labelling and nicotine levels in the future.

Andorra

Minimal regulation. Vaping often not permitted or advisable in areas where smoking is banned.

Armenia

Vape laws in Armenia are quite strict, treating e-cigarettes and similar nicotine products in the same way as traditional tobacco. Vaping is banned in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, and public transport. There are heavy fines for breaking the law.

Austria

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowedto be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. The sale of disposables will soon be banned.

Azerbaijan

Vapes are treated as tobacco products and vaping is banned in certain public spaces.

Belarus

Vaping in Belarus is strictly regulated, with electronic cigarettes treated similarly to conventional tobacco products under Presidential Decree No. 2. Vaping is banned in workplaces, public transport, cafes, restaurants, and schools. Sales are prohibited to minors and online. Vaping products are prohibited in open displays.

Belgium

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies. Vapes can be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. The sale of disposables is banned and, while currently allowed, vaping flavours except tobacco will soon also be banned.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

There are no laws regarding vapes or vaping.

Bulgaria

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. However, online sales are banned, and the Bulgarian parliament recently approved a total ban on the sale of all vapes at first reading, including disposable and
rechargeable devices. This includes a ban on both nicotine and non-nicotine products.

Croatia

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned.

Cyprus

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned.

Czech Republic

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned

Denmark

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. In addition, only tobacco and menthol flavours are permitted for e-liquids, both with and without nicotine and disposables are banned. You cannot take your own flavoured
e-liquids into Denmark.

Estonia

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. Tobacco and menthol-flavoured e-liquids are permitted. Other flavours are banned as are online sales. Disposables may soon be banned.

Finland

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. Only tobacco-flavoured e-liquids are permitted, and online sales are banned.

France

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. Disposables are banned. Online sales may soon be restricted.

Georgia

Vaping is legal but not in public spaces or on public transport

Germany

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. Disposables and flavours may soon be banned.

Greece

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned. Flavours may soon be banned.

Hungary

Vaping in Hungary is strictly regulated, with laws aligning with the EU Tobacco Products Directive but imposing harsher national restrictions. Vaping is forbidden in all smoking-prohibited areas, and only tobacco-flavoured e-liquids are legal. Products must be purchased from licensed, state-controlled tobacco shops ("Nemzeti Dohánybolt"), and cross-border sales are banned.

Iceland

Vaping is legal for over-18s. Vaping is regulated similarly to tobacco, with usage prohibited in public indoor spaces, workplaces, and public transport. E-cigarettes are widely available, but regulations mandate
childproof packaging and a maximum nicotine concentration of 20mg.

Ireland

Ireland is implementing strict new vaping laws to curb youth uptake, including an upcoming ban on disposable vapes and restrictions on flavours and marketing. It is currently illegal to sell vapes to those under 18. New regulations also ban advertising near schools, in cinemas, and restrict
in-store displays, with a retail licensing system launching in 2026.

Italy

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies. Vaping is legal in Italy for those 18 and older, but strictly regulated, with bans in most enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and near schools or hospitals. Vaping is generally allowed outdoors but is prohibited in certain areas, with fines ranging from €27.50 to €550. Online sales of nicotine e-liquids are banned.

Kazakhstan

There’s a comprehensive ban on the sale, import, production, and distribution of all electronic cigarettes and e-liquids. Violations of this law are considered criminal offences and can lead to hefty penalties including imprisonment.

Kyrgyzstan

Vaping, vaping devices and e-liquids are banned. Penalties for breaking the law include imprisonment.

Latvia

Latvia has implemented strict vaping laws, including a ban on all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco. The legal age to purchase vaping products is 20, and all online sales are prohibited. Vaping is banned in most
indoor public places, workplaces, and also on public transport

Liechtenstein

Vaping in Liechtenstein is regulated under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), treating e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco products. The minimum age to purchase e-cigarettes is currently 16, though legislation is pending to raise this to 18 to align with Austria and Switzerland.

Lithuania

Lithuania has some of the strictest vaping laws in the EU. These are aimed at curbing youth usage. Key regulations include a full ban on non-tobacco e-liquid flavours, a ban on online sales, restrictions on advertising, and a minimum age of 18 (with discussions to raise it to 21).

Luxembourg

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned - including where children are present, in public buildings, and on public transport.

Macedonia

Vaping laws in North Macedonia are increasingly strict, closely following the EU's Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). Vaping is regulated similarly to smoking, with bans on indoor use and proposed
restrictions on cafe terraces. As of 2026, new laws further limit sales, advertising, and flavoured products to curb usage.

Malta

Vaping is legal in Malta for individuals aged 18 and over, but it is heavily regulated, similar to tobacco products. Vapes are prohibited in most indoor public places, workplaces, public transport, and in private
vehicles with minors. Sales are restricted to over 18s.

Moldova

Yes, vaping is legal in Moldova, but it is heavily regulated and treated similarly to traditional tobacco products. Vaping is prohibited in public indoor spaces, on public transport, and in many outdoor public areas. Sales are prohibited to anyone under 18.

Monaco

Monaco has strictly tightened vaping laws by imposing a total ban on disposable electronic cigarettes due to environmental and health concerns. Vaping is banned in public spaces, including beaches, parks, and
public transport, with the legal age to purchase and use being 18.

Montenegro

Laws are broadly in line with the TPD.

Netherlands

Vaping laws in the Netherlands are strict with vapes treated similarly to tobacco. Key regulations include a ban on all non-tobacco flavours, a prohibition on online sales, and a ban on vaping in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, and transport. The minimum age to purchase vaping products or use them is 18.

Norway

Vaping is legal but only nicotine-free e-liquids are permitted to be sold or imported.

Poland

As of mid-2025/2026, Poland strictly regulates vaping, restricting sales to adults (18+) and banning sales of both nicotine and nicotine-free vapes to minors. Public vaping is prohibited in most places, and a comprehensive ban on disposable vapes is expected. Online sales are banned, and advertising is strictly prohibited.

Portugal

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies. Online sales of nicotine products are banned, and vaping is restricted near schools and public facilities.

Romania

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vaping is banned on public transport and within 200 meters of educational and healthcare institutions.

Russia

Vaping is currently allowed but a total ban on vapingdevices and e-liquids is planned.

San Marino

Vaping is legal for over 18s and e-cigarettes, e- liquids, and nicotine products are readily available for purchase. Vapers can generally use e-cigarettes in public areas where smoking is permitted. San Marino often follows EU product safety standards.

Serbia

Vaping is legal in Serbia and is treated similarly to tobacco products. Regulations focus on sales to minors and product standards. Key laws include a ban on sales to those under 18, a maximum nicotine
concentration of 20 mg, and restrictions on advertising.

Slovakia

The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies; Vapes are allowed to be sold to over-18s but can't be used where smoking is banned

Slovenia

Slovenia has implemented strict vaping laws, including a ban on all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco as of April 24, 2025. Vaping is regulated in a similar way to traditional tobacco, with bans on vaping in public spaces, a minimum age of 18, and prohibitions on online sales. Only 10ml bottles and 2 ml disposable capacities are permitted.

Spain

Spain has recently introduced strict regulations with further laws to come including a ban on flavours and disposables. Vaping is now banned in:

Natural spaces

Outdoor restaurant seating areas

Outdoor bar terraces

Other outdoor terraces

On or near university campuses

Public spaces in villages, towns and cities

On beaches

Sweden

Vaping is legal except for outdoor serving areas at cafes and restaurants, children's playgrounds, bus shelters, train platforms, sports arenas, and entrances to public buildings. The EU Tobacco Products Directive applies.

Switzerland

Vaping in Switzerland is legal for over 18s but strictly regulated under the Tobacco Products Act as of late 2024. Vaping is prohibited in public indoor areas, transportation, and workplaces. A national ban on
disposable vapes was approved by parliament in June 2025 due to youth usage and environmental concerns.

Tajikistan

As of early 2026, Tajikistan is moving towards a complete ban on the production, circulation, and use of electronic cigarettes to protect public health. Existing regulations already treat vapes as tobacco products,
restricting their sale to minors and banning use in public places and in vehicles with children

Turkey

Vaping in Turkey is highly restricted, with the sale, import, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and related products officially banned. But personal use is generally tolerated. You cannot purchase vape devices or e-liquids locally, so you must bring your own supplies. Public vaping is treated as smoking, meaning it is banned indoors and on public transport.

Turkmenistan

Vapes and vaping are banned.

Ukraine

Ukraine enforces strict regulations on vaping, treating e-cigarettes similarly to traditional tobacco products. Vaping is banned in almost all public indoor spaces, workplaces, and public transport. Key regulations include bans on flavoured e-liquids. Sales are restricted to over 18s.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has implemented a strict, nationwide criminal ban on the production, sale, import, export, and possession of all vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids) effective March 1, 2026. Violations can lead to
severe penalties, including heavy fines, forced labor, or up to five years in prison.