TPD Compliance Explained: What Makes a Vape Product Legal in the UK?

The vaping industry in the UK has undergone major transitions in recent years, especially after the enforcement of stricter regulations on vapes by the UK Government to ensure consumer safety. Among these regulations lies the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which plays a crucial role in the UK vaping landscape. Now, understanding what makes a product legal in the UK has become ever more essential for vapers, retailers, and those curious about vaping.

In this blog, we will guide our readers through the key elements of TPD compliance, which products meet these standards, and how vapers and retailers can make informed purchasing choices within the evolving legal landscape in the UK by 2025. 

What Is the TPD and Why Does It Matter?

The TPD, or Tobacco Products Directive, is part of legislation from the European Union that aims to regulate the production and sale of tobacco-related products such as cigarettes and e-liquids. While the UK is no longer a part of the European Union, it has retained this directive under UK law with some local updates and changes in enforcement. 

This is to ensure that vape products are:

• Safe for consumers 
• Labeled accurately 
• Responsibly marketed 

Legal compliance has become increasingly important with the new UK vaping laws taking effect from 1st June 2025. 

What Are the Key TPD Regulations for Vape Products?

The vaping devices and e-liquids must meet the following standards to be legally sold across the UK: 

1. Nicotine Strength Limits 

The nicotine strength for e-liquids has been restricted to 20 mg/ml (2%) to prevent overconsumption of nicotine by consumers and to reduce dependency risks. 

2. E-liquid Volume Restrictions 

The maximum e-liquid volumes have been restricted to: 

• Refill bottles: 10ml 
• Tanks or pods: 2ml 

Vaping products exceeding these limits are non-compliant and banned from sale and use. 

3. Child-Resistant Packaging 

Vaping products that are packaged in childproof and tamper-evident bottles or containers are legal to be sold and used. 

4. Ingredient and Emission Testing 

Manufacturers of vaping products must submit product details to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to gain approval, including: 

• Toxicological data 
• Emissions analysis 
• Product components 

5. Clear Labelling 

All vaping products must display: 

• Nicotine content 
• Usage instructions 
• Health warnings covering 30% of the packaging 

Also read: Sustainable Vaping in the UK: How Refillable Pods Like Voopoo PnP Help Reduce Waste

How TPD Protects the Consumer 

While these laws and regulations may seem strict and restrictive, they serve a vital purpose of keeping consumers safe. As many unregulated products have flooded the vaping markets across the UK and globally, these TPD regulations by the UK Government serve as a safety net for vapers. 

When consumers opt for TPD-compliant products, they are choosing: 

• Ingredients that have been properly tested 
• Accurate nicotine levels 
• Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals 

The 2025 Vape Market: What’s Changed?

As the new legislation and ban on disposable vaping products become effective by 1st June 2025, disposable vapes exceeding puff count, e-liquid capacity, or nicotine strength limits are being pulled off the shelves. This shift has encouraged vaping enthusiasts across the UK to choose smarter alternatives such as refillable pod systems and prefilled pod kits to stay within legal limits without compromising on performance and flavour variety. 

Also read: Elux Legend Nic Salts vs. Traditional E-Liquids: What UK Vapers Prefer in 2025

Why Retailers Must Pay Attention 

Retailers must comply with these regulations regarding the sale of vapes, as selling non-compliant vape products can lead to fines, seizures of stock, or closure. Retailers must only stock vape products that: 

• Have official MHRA submissions 
• Include packaging warnings 
• Follow restrictions on e-liquid and nicotine strengths 

Tips for Vapers: How to Spot a Legal Vape Product 

Amid these legal requirements, vapers must look for: 

• 10ml e-liquid bottles (not 30ml or larger) 
• 2ml pods or tanks 
• Maximum 20mg nicotine strength 
• Clear labels and warning signs 

If the vape products do not meet these standards and requirements, they are likely to be non-compliant. 

Helpful Insight for New UK Vapers in 2025 

If you are about to embark on the journey of vaping, here are a few things you should know: 

How do pod vapes work for new users? 

Pod vapes are simple to use, compact devices that utilise prefilled or refillable pods. Users only need to insert the pod into the battery unit, inhale, and enjoy vaping. There is no need to adjust complex settings or buttons. Pod vapes are perfect for new vapers or those looking to transition from smoking. 

Guide to menthol vs non-menthol e-liquids 

Menthol e-liquids offer cool, icy throat hits, making them ideal for ex-smokers who previously smoked menthol cigarettes, whereas non-menthol e-liquids deliver a wide range of flavours, such as fruity, dessert, or tobacco, catering to the varied tastes of consumers. 

Product Spotlight: Meet the Compliant Post June 1st Prefilled Vape Pods - PIXL 8000 Compliant Post June 1st Prefilled Pod  

PIXL 8000 Compliant Post June 1st Prefilled Pod is TPD compliant, user-friendly, and a powerful device that offers up to 8000 puffs through a 2ml TPD-compliant pod and a 10ml prefilled tank, all while adhering to the legal limits imposed by the UK Government. It also features a 20mg nicotine strength to provide users with a smooth and consistent experience, making it ideal for both new and seasoned vapers, as well as ex-smokers. 

What makes it perfect for UK vapers: Why it's perfect for the UK:

- Fully TPD-Compliant 

• User-friendly, button-free draw-activated pod 
• No filling, no mess – prefilled device 
• Sleek, portable, and pocket-friendly 

Whether you are a retailer looking to stock TPD-compliant and shelf-ready vape devices in bulk or running an online store of vape products, the PIXL 8000 Prefilled Pod offers regulation-approved performance without any compromise. 

Available now in bulk at U Vape Wholesale UK – your trusted source of premium, top-tier, and fully legal vaping products in the UK.