How to Start a Vape Business in the UK: A Retailer’s Checklist
Starting a vape business in the UK is a promising venture given the industry’s growth, evolving consumer demands, and a regulatory environment that supports harm reduction. However, entering the market requires more than sourcing stock and opening a shop. This guide offers a complete retailer's checklist to launch and run a compliant, profitable, and sustainable vape business in the United Kingdom.
Understanding the UK Vape Market in 2025
The UK vape industry is now a mature and highly regulated market. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), over 4.7 million adults vape in the UK, and the number continues to grow. With the government’s support for vaping as a smoking cessation tool, opportunities for retail businesses—both online and offline—are substantial.
The key market trends include:
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Disposables dominate short-term sales with brands like Elf Bar and Lost Mary
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Refillable pod systems gaining ground for long-term vapers
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CBD vape products and nicotine-free e-liquids emerging as new niches
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Increased demand for regulated and compliant suppliers
1. Business Structure and Registration
Choose the Right Legal Structure
Register your business with HMRC as one of the following:
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Sole Trader – quick setup, full personal liability
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Limited Company – separate legal entity, limited liability, better for scaling
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Partnership – if launching with a partner
Use Companies House to register your limited company and receive your company number.
Register for VAT and Other Licenses
If your taxable turnover exceeds ÂŁ90,000, register for VAT. Also consider registering for:
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EORI number for importing products
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Trademark registration to protect your brand identity
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Age verification service compliance (e.g., VerifyMyAge.co.uk)
2. Understand and Comply With UK Vape Regulations
The UK vape industry is regulated by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR).
Key Legal Requirements:
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Nicotine strength must not exceed 20mg/ml
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Tank capacity must not exceed 2ml
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Refill container size limited to 10ml
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All products must be MHRA-notified before being sold
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No TV, radio, or print advertising
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All products must feature warning labels
Non-compliance can lead to fines, product seizure, and reputational damage.
3. Find Reliable Vape Suppliers
Work With MHRA-Compliant Wholesalers
Choose UK vape suppliers who offer:
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Verified MHRA-listed products
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Competitive wholesale pricing
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Fast delivery within the UK
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Disposables, nic salts, freebase, and hardware stock
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Age verification tools for online sales
Some reputable vape wholesalers include:
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vapeswholesale.co.uk
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Vapouriz
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Vape UK
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Vapour Depot
Ensure you receive batch certificates, COAs, and product registration evidence with your stock.
4. Set Up Your Retail Location or Online Store
Brick-and-Mortar Vape Shop Checklist
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Choose high-footfall areas like shopping precincts or near transport hubs
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Decorate professionally with shelving, signage, and branding
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Install EPOS systems, CCTV, and a customer age verification process
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Ensure your staff are trained in product knowledge and compliance
Launch an E-commerce Vape Store
Use Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento to build your site. Your site must include:
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Age verification pop-up
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SSL certificate for security
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Mobile-optimized design
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Live chat support
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Integrated payment gateway (ensure your provider supports vape products)
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SEO-friendly structure with category pages like "Disposables", "Nic Salts", and "Vape Kits"
5. Setup Payment Gateways and Merchant Accounts
The vape industry is often considered high-risk by traditional payment processors. Use vape-friendly payment gateways such as:
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Cardstream
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Nochex
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eMerchantPay
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Paytriot
Apply early and ensure you submit KYB (Know Your Business) documentation and inventory proof to speed up approval.
6. Implement Marketing Strategies Within Legal Limits
While UK law restricts vape advertising, several compliant marketing channels are effective:
SEO and Content Marketing
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Target keywords like "vape shop UK", "cheap disposable vapes", "vape wholesale UK"
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Publish blogs reviewing top brands like Elf Bar, Elux, or Lost Mary
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Build internal linking across category pages and blog posts
Email Marketing
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Offer discounts for new subscribers
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Create product recommendation flows based on purchase behavior
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Remind users of low stock or expiry of offers
In-Store Loyalty Programs
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Points-based system to encourage repeat customers
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Offer birthday discounts or referral bonuses
7. Hire and Train Staff
If you’re opening a physical vape store, recruit staff who:
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Understand vape products
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Can check ID and enforce Challenge 25
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Are aware of TRPR regulations
Train them regularly and provide a product manual, sales scripts, and troubleshooting guides.
8. Maintain Compliance and Product Safety
Keep your business aligned with:
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Trading Standards inspections
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Regular checks of product compliance
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Correct labelling and health warnings
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Updated MHRA submissions when restocking
Keep records of batch numbers, invoices, and safety data sheets for at least 5 years.
9. Scale Your Vape Business
Once your business is stable, consider:
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Launching your own branded e-liquid
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Expanding into CBD vapes and wellness ranges
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Opening new store locations or franchise opportunities
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Partnering with delivery apps for same-day dispatch
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Selling to EU countries post-Brexit using IOR (Importer of Record) services
Conclusion
Building a successful vape business in the UK takes more than just product sourcing. From legal compliance and reliable suppliers to strong branding and digital marketing, every step must be planned and executed with precision. Whether you are launching a local vape shop or a robust online vape store, following this retailer’s checklist will give your venture the best chance of long-term success.