It is illegal to sell vaping products to a person under the age of 18 in the UK – e-cigarettes are an age-restricted cessation tool intended to help adult smokers move away from combustible tobacco.
If a retailer is caught selling to a minor – whether knowingly or unknowingly – they could face a fine of up to £2,500.
As an association, the UKVIA continues to call for greater punishments for those caught selling to underage buyers, including increased on-the-spot fines of up to £10,000.
Retailers must prove they have taken all reasonable precautions and have exercised all due diligence in preventing underage sales. They should exercise ‘Challenge 25’ policies at all times and should not sell vapes to an adult if they suspect it is a proxy sale.