Vaping Laws Around The World
Explore the different vaping laws around the world. Discover where vaping is allowed or not allowed, plus advice for travellers on international vape markets.
Vaping Laws In European Countries
The EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) passed in 2014 lays down rules governing the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products. Related to e-cigarettes, the Directive says:
- Requires health warnings on tobacco and related products
- Bans promotional and misleading elements on tobacco products, e-cigarettes and herbal products for smoking
- Allows EU countries to prohibit internet sales of tobacco and related products
- Sets out safety, quality and notification requirements for electronic cigarettes
- Source: https://health.ec.europa.eu/tobacco/product-regulation_en
Turkey Vaping Laws
In Turkey, there is a Ministry of Health Circular stating that they are banned, but there are also other laws that consider them as tobacco products in terms of age restrictions and public place bans.
Source: https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/TUR/
Spain Vaping Laws
Spain abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). There is a ban on smoking and vaping in all indoor state-owned public places, on public transport and in some outdoor places such as parks.
Source: https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/esp/
The Spanish government’s laws are similar to those in the UK; vapers should head to smoking areas in bars, restaurants and venues, while vaping is banned on trains, airports and children’s playgrounds. If in doubt, check with an official or member of staff before activating your vape in Spain.
Source: Travel Tips for Vaping Abroad
France Vaping Laws
France plans to ban disposable vapes as part of its national anti-smoking plan, which means you won’t be able to use them here when the new law comes into place. Rechargeable vapes remain legal, but vaping is banned inside public places (including museums, restaurants, cafés and venues).
Source: Travel Tips for Vaping Abroad
Italy Vaping Laws
Vaping is legal in Italy, with devices and refills available when you’re there. However, vaping is banned in some indoor places, including schools, public buildings and workplaces.
Source: Travel Tips for Vaping Abroad
Portugal Vaping Laws
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Portugal. Vaping devices can only be sold to those 18 and older, packaging must contain a health warning and there are restrictions on the level of nicotine they can contain. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places.
Greece Vaping Laws
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Greece. There are no requirements to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription and there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places.
Source: https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/grc/
Germany Vaping Laws
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Germany. There’s a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and vapes can only be sold to those aged 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places.
Vaping Laws In Asian Countries
Thailand Vaping Laws
E-cigarettes are prohibited under several regulatory mechanisms in Thailand. There is no explicit law banning the use of e-cigarettes, but vaping is banned where laws prohibit smoking. Although vaping is not banned as such, importing e-cigarette products and selling them are prohibited, and vapers can therefore still be arrested.
Dubai Vaping Laws
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), e-cigarettes are allowed and regulated. The sale of vaping devices and nicotine is legal, and purchasing without a prescription is permitted. Vaping products are marketed and can be bought both online and in-person, according to some online sources.
The minimum age restriction on sales is 18
Singapore Vaping Laws
In Singapore, the importation, distribution, sale, or purchase of e-cigarettes are banned under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 2013. As of February 2018, possession and use of e-cigarettes are also prohibited.
Saudi Arabia Vaping Laws
As of January 2025, e-cigarettes are allowed in Saudi Arabia and are regulated under specific guidelines. The import, sale, and online purchase of vaping devices and nicotine are legal, and vaping products are marketed. Advertising is regulated and e-cigarettes can be purchased without a prescription.
Maldives Vaping Laws
E-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products under the Tobacco Control Act, which requires products introduced to the Maldivian market to obtain authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Sale to minors under 18 years is prohibited, as is sale via vending machines, post, internet or automated service. All types of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e-cigarettes are banned, and vaping is prohibited where smoking is banned.
Japan Vaping Laws
In Japan it is illegal to sell nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as they are categorised as medicinal products, and as of yet none have been approved in this manner. However, Japanese vapers can import up to one month's supply of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes for their own individual use. E-cigarettes without nicotine are not regulated. Restrictions on vaping indoors in public places exist.
China Vaping Laws
Import, export, sale, possession and use of e-cigarettes in mainland China is legal. Vaping is common in larger cities although local laws introduced in certain places like Shanghai, or Shenzhen for example, prohibit vaping in non-smoking areas. Sales of e-cigarettes are banned in Macau but it is still legal to vape. There are a range of public places in which vaping is banned regardless of whether the person is vaping nicotine or not.
Source: https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/chn/
India Vaping Laws
In 2019, India banned and prohibited the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of devices including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. There are no restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes.
Source: https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/IND/
Sri Lanka Vaping Laws
The sale, manufacture or importation of e-cigarettes that contain tobacco are prohibited in accordance with the Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations No. 1 of 2016. Use and possession of e-cigarettes are not restricted, however it is not legal to buy them in the country or bring them with you into the country for personal use.
Vaping Laws In Australia & New Zealand
Australia Vaping Laws
Vaping, the sale and use of e-cigarettes in banned in Australia.
Australia has a strict regulatory environment for vaping, with a complex mix of federal and state laws. There are harsh penalties for possessing or using nicotine e-liquid (which vary from state to state). A new law was passed in South Australia in March 2019 which covers e-cigarette devices (but not nicotine) which restricts sales based on age (18+), vaping in public areas, and the sale of e-cigarette products without a license.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/AUS/
New Zealand Vaping Laws
The sale of nicotine containing e-liquids was banned until May 2018, but these laws were rarely enforced. The ban on smoking in indoor workplaces, early childhood centres and schools currently only applies to smoking, however individual organizations can ban the use of e-cigarettes as part of their own smoke-free policies. E-cigarettes cannot be sold to minors under 18, and must comply with rules on health information and warnings. There are restrictions on sales via vending machines, and packaging must comply with rules on packaging for tobacco products.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/NZL/
Vaping Laws In The Americas
USA Vaping Laws
The USA views e-cigarettes and other ENDS as tobacco products. It is therefore legal to sell and use e-cigarettes in the USA. Law requires age restrictions, a warning label, ingredients lists, and registration. Sale to those under 18 years is prohibited. Many states and some cities have additional laws covering e-cigarettes, such as dictating where they can be used, or, in the case of California, banning flavours outright.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/usa/
Mexico Vaping Laws
Mexico prohibits the sale, distribution, exhibition, promotion or manufacture of an object that imitates a tobacco product. This includes nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. There is no legal restriction on e-cigarette use.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/MEX/
Brazil Vaping Laws
In Brazil, e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products. Brazil prohibits the sale, advertisement, distribution and importation of any electronic smoking devices, accessories or refills. As tobacco products, their use in public places and on public transportation is also prohibited.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/BRA/
Colombia Vaping Laws
In Colombia, the tobacco control law No. 1335 of 2009 classifies e-cigarette products as tobacco imitations, effectively banning the sale, manufacture and marketing/advertising of e-cigarettes. It is not illegal to use e-cigarettes, but there are bans on vaping in enclosed public spaces and on public transport.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/COL/
Argentina Vaping Laws
Argentina bans the sale, advertisement, distribution and importation of e-cigarettes and related products. Argentina law classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products - therefore using them is prohibited in enclosed public spaces and public transport.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/ARG/
Chile Vaping Laws
In Chile, e-cigarettes that contain nicotine are classified as medicinal products.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/CHL/
Vaping Laws In Africa
Morocco Vaping Laws
In Morocco, there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. The minimum smoking age is 18 years, so similar restriction may apply. Smoking is banned in public places such as mosques, schools, hospitals, and public transport, so vaping in these areas is not.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/MAR/
Egypt Vaping Laws
In Egypt, e-cigarettes are allowed, and the legal smoking and vaping age is 18 years and older. Vaping products are legally imported, commercialised and marketed.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/EGY/
South Africa Vaping Laws
In South Africa, e-cigarettes are allowed and regulated as medicinal products. They can be purchased with a prescription from pharmacies, but online purchases for personal use are not permitted. While nicotine sales are legal, health warnings on packaging are required, and there are minimum age restrictions of 18 years. Additionally, vaping is restricted in public places.
https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/ZAF/
Countries Where You Can't Legally Vape
Some countries have banned the sale and use of e-cigarettes altogether. Those that have banned vaping include:
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
India
Japan
Thailand
Singapore
Vape Travel Checklist
Make sure you remember to pack the following things:
Your vape device
Device charger
E-liquid pods/refills
Hygiene cap
Here are some useful resources from the Vuse blog for tips on travelling and vaping.
Can You Take Vapes On A Plane?
Explore Vuse
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