What Is the Legal Age to Vape Worldwide?

Vaping products have surged in popularity, leaving lawmakers and health officials grappling to determine how to oversee their consumption. 

Many legislators have undertaken various measures to shield adolescents from vapour products by regulating the minimum age for purchasing them. Some countries have gone so far as to ban it entirely. 

Depending on where you live or plan to travel to, it's essential to become familiar with the general restrictions in your country so you get an idea of how these rules could affect you. 

What Is the Legal Age to Vape in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase tobacco products, including vapes. As of May 2023, the government has announced a review of a ban on selling or providing nicotine-free vapes to individuals under the age of 18, as some vaping manufacturers found a loophole that allowed them to provide children in the UK with free samples of vapes or sell them nicotine-free vapes.

If you want to vape in any of the UK's countries, including England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, know that the age 18 age requirement is the same across the board. Specific laws around where and when you're allowed to vape may vary from place to place, so your best bet is to research the regulations where you'll be to ensure you follow all legal guidelines.

Do These Rules Apply to 0% Nicotine Products?

The government still considers even 0% nicotine products as vape accessories, so you must be 18 or older to purchase a nicotine-free vape in the UK.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Vape Around the World?

Laws and regulations are ever-changing, and new studies continue to shed light on the impacts of vaping. While the laws are unlikely to become more lenient anytime soon, keeping up with the age restriction policies on vaping is a good idea.

Whether you're buying a vape pen domestically or planning to travel with e-cigarettes, knowing the laws can help you avoid potential complications, particularly in public spaces like airports. 

North America

In the United States, Congress passed a law in December 2019 making it illegal on the federal level to sell vaping and tobacco products to anyone under 21. This law amended the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and raised the federal minimum age from 18 to 21 years. 

Congress raised the age limit as a response to the growing concerns about the rising rates of vaping among young adults and the long-term health consequences and nicotine addiction it could cause. While this is federal law, states may have differing rules, so check on the laws of the specific state you’re looking at.

This concern also holds true for Canada, where 41% of students from grades 10 to 12 have ever vaped – according to a recent Canada Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey. 

In Canada, selling or providing vaping products to anyone under 18 is illegal, but some provincial laws set this age at 19 or 21. 

Provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan currently have a legal age limit of just 18 years old. Other regions like British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario and Yukon require individuals to be at least 19 years old. 

Make sure to look up the law in a specific province to find out what the age limit is there.

Europe

Across Europe, vaping regulations differ based on the country. For example, in central European countries like France, Germany, and Sweden, the legal age for vaping is 18. This age aligns with the rules for purchasing tobacco products in these nations. 

However, not all European countries go by this age limit. Turkey, a country straddling Asia and Europe, has taken a particularly strict stance. They've implemented a ban on importing vape products.

Australia

The legal age to buy or use nicotine vapes is 18 years old. However, Australia's national regulars are more complex than they appear. 

Currently, you must have a prescription to obtain e-cigarettes with nicotine.

China

Like many other countries, in China, you must be at least 18 years old to buy e-cigarettes. As a result, retailers aren’t able to sell to customers unless they’re 18 or older.

Brazil

Brazil isn't a vape-friendly country. Since 2009, the sale, importation, and advertising of e-cigarettes have been banned in Brazil. If you're looking to buy conventional tobacco products, you must be at least 18 years old. 

Korea

Vaping is legal in South Korea and has an age requirement of at least 19 years old. 

That said, vaping has faced continuous scrutiny in the country, resulting in substantial taxes on e-liquids, particularly when imported. 

Following concerns about EVALI cases in the US, the Korean government started studying the health effects and imposing restrictions on e-liquids from specific brands. 

UAE

Vaping is legal in the UAE; e-cigarettes were legalized in 2019. However, make sure to be mindful of any restrictions regarding where you’re allowed to vape. 

The age requirement to vape under UAE law is 18 years old. 

Is Vaping Illegal in Any Country?

Many countries have banned or heavily restricted vaping for health concerns. Some countries completely ban the use and sale of vaping, while some only prohibit the act of selling but allow the use of vaping. 

Make sure to check on the specific laws of any country before vaping to find out their specific laws and regulations. 

Some examples of countries that have banned vaping (either using and selling or just selling) include:

• Singapore
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Qatar
• Cambodia
• Bhutan

Vaping regulations may change, so make sure to check on any country’s laws before travelling there to understand what the rules are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Legal Age to Vape Around the World Always the Same as Tobacco Products?

Most laws around the legal vaping age in a country or province align with the already established age limit restrictions for buying tobacco products like chewing tobacco or cigarettes. The most common age limit for purchasing tobacco and vape products is 18 or 19, but it’s important to check on the laws of the specific place you’re visiting.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, vaping has taken the world by storm. However, in order to protect younger people and due to health concerns, different places have different laws and regulations regarding the use and sale of these products.

If you meet the legal age requirement and you're looking for a stylish and convenient vaping option, WAKA Vape has you covered. With a diverse range of flavours, nicotine levels and designs, we've got something for every vaper. 

Shop WAKA Vape’s collections to enjoy a hassle-free and smooth vaping experience!