Are you looking to start an Ecig store on the UK's streets? We can assist you - we provide all the support and guidance necessary to help open your first UK vape boutique. Vape shops or Ecig store within the UK should comply with the Tobacco Products Directive. The marketing and sale of e-cigarette products are subject to special requirements. Advertising rules apply, and packaging must comply with all regulations. 

With approximately 2,000 vaping shops, the UK is Europe's largest e-cigarette market. The popularity of vaping is partly due to its supposed health benefits. Cigarette smoking is also becoming unacceptable. People's attitudes toward smoking have changed since the smoking ban was implemented in July 2017. Vaping was preferred by people who didn't have to worry about their family and friends as much. Let's look at other reasons why starting a vape shop or Ecig store could be a smart business move and our top tips to help you launch your own.

Do you need a licence to sell E-Liquid?

Over the past decade, vaping has been one of the fastest-growing markets in the UK. As the demand for vaping products grows, more shops are opening on high streets across the UK.

The regulation and focus on e-cigarettes and e-liquids is increasing as the demand grows. The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in the UK sets the rules for e-cigarettes, refill containers and other products. The UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, published in May 2016, implement the TPD in the UK.

Do you own an E cig store or plan to open one? If so, are you aware of the requirements for obtaining a UK licence to sell e-liquids? Do you know the latest regulations regarding e-liquids? Have you identified your role in this market? For more information, please read on.

What licence do I need to sell e-liquids?

According to gov.uk, retailers don't need to provide details about the products they sell unless they are also producers. Before e-liquids and e-cigarettes can be sold, producers must provide information to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Notification to the MHRA must occur six months prior to the product being put on sale in the UK. Products cannot be sold in the UK until they have been published in the submitted product list. It is important for retailers to make sure that the products they source meet these requirements. This can be done by making sure that all products have been notified to the MHRA.

The MHRA has a helpful guide for vape shops that you might find useful. Additional information about the entire process can be found on the gov.uk website.

What regulations apply to e-liquids?

On May 20th, 2017, a new regulation was put in place for e-cigarettes. These are the rules for e-liquids:

• E-liquids containing nicotine cannot be sold in larger quantities than 10ml.
• Child-resistant and tamper-proof products must meet child-resistant and tamper-proof requirements.
• The prohibition of certain ingredients, such as colors, caffeine, and taurine
• New warnings and labeling requirements
• Before e-cigarettes or e-liquids can be sold, they must be notified by the MHRA.

Some insurers have not kept up with vaping specific insurance needs due to the rapid growth of the market. They may not be able to fully understand your business and the risks you face. Product liability is a concern when selling e-cigarettes or e-liquids.