How to Start a Vape Business in the UK (2025 Guide)
How to Start a Vape Business in the UK (2025 Guide)

How to Start a Vape Business in the UK (2025 Guide)

Vaping continues to gain traction across the UK, especially among adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco. With increasing innovation in vape devices, disposable kits, and e-liquid flavours, 2025 presents strong potential for entrepreneurs looking to enter the vape industry.

If you’re thinking of starting your own vape business in the UK, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the legal requirements, supply chain setup, and critical decisions involved in launching your venture.

Understanding the UK Vape Market in 2025

The UK has one of the most structured and regulated vaping environments in the world. With consistent growth in consumer demand, supported by Public Health England's favourable stance on vaping as a harm-reduction tool, vape businesses are finding more opportunities than ever.

Key Trends in 2025:

  • Rise in disposable vape kits and nicotine salt e-liquids

  • Growing demand for CBD vape products

  • Surge in online vape shops and mobile ordering

  • Continued focus on TPD compliance and age verification systems

Knowing these trends helps you align your business strategy with what’s working now in the market.

Step 1: Choose Your Vape Business Model

There are several business models to consider when entering the UK vape market. Your choice will shape your startup budget, legal obligations, and operational needs.

Popular Models Include:

  • Vape Retail Store: A physical shop selling vape devices, e-liquids, and accessories. Location and in-store experience matter.

  • Online Vape Shop: E-commerce store for national delivery. Requires digital operations and age verification setup.

  • White Label or Private Brand: Sell vape products under your brand. Focus on branding, packaging, and marketing.

  • Wholesale Vape Distributor: Supply products to other retailers. Best for those with logistics experience and bulk buying power.

Step 2: Understand Legal Requirements and Regulations

The UK vaping industry is regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), often referred to as TPD compliance.

Here’s what you need to stay compliant:

  • Notify MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency): All e-liquids containing nicotine must be submitted for review before being sold.

  • Nicotine Limits: Nicotine strength must not exceed 20 mg/ml.

  • Tank Size Limits: Vape tanks must not exceed 2 ml in volume.

  • Labeling Requirements: Child-resistant caps, warnings, and ingredient lists are mandatory.

  • Age Restrictions: You must ensure no sales are made to anyone under 18. This includes robust age verification for online stores.

If you're selling CBD vape products, make sure they’re free from THC and meet FSA and MHRA guidelines. Always source CBD from licensed manufacturers.

Step 3: Register Your Business and Secure Insurance

To operate legally, register your vape business with HMRC and choose the correct business structure, typically a sole trader, limited company, or partnership.

You’ll also need:

  • Public Liability Insurance

  • Product Liability Insurance

  • Employer’s Liability Insurance (if hiring staff)

These not only protect your business but also establish trust with suppliers and customers.

Step 4: Find Reliable Vape Suppliers or Manufacturers

Whether you’re retailing or developing your brand, sourcing quality products is crucial. Look for suppliers who are:

  • TPD compliant

  • Able to provide lab reports and certificates

  • Based in the UK or offer seamless UK distribution

  • Experienced with white label vape manufacturing if you're building a custom line

Build long-term relationships with suppliers who can offer scalability, consistent product quality, and competitive pricing.

Step 5: Choose the Right Product Mix

Your inventory should reflect market demand while appealing to different customer preferences.

Suggested Product Categories:

If you’re launching a private label brand, your unique selling point (USP) could be organic e-liquids, UK-sourced materials, or innovative disposable device designs.

Step 6: Set Up a Compliant Vape Shop or Website

If opening a physical shop, you’ll need:

  • A high-footfall location with ventilation

  • Age-verification process at checkout

  • Secure storage and displays for e-liquids

  • Licensing checks with your local council (especially for signage or late hours)

If launching an online vape shop, your checklist includes:

  • SSL-secured website

  • Built-in age verification

  • Clear product descriptions and TPD details

  • Secure payment gateway

  • Delivery options and policies compliant with UK courier age-check laws

Step 7: Prepare for Ongoing Compliance

Running a vape business is not a one-time effort. Regulations may evolve, and keeping up with new laws is critical. Make sure you:

  • Stay subscribed to MHRA updates

  • Regularly audit your product lines

  • Re-verify age-gate systems and packaging

  • Train your staff to stay compliant and informed

Many retailers in 2025 also offer eco-friendly vape recycling bins as part of community responsibility.

Step 8: Build Customer Trust and Retention

While you won’t focus on marketing here, customer retention comes down to consistency, transparency, and trust.

  • Use clear labels and avoid misleading product names

  • Be transparent about ingredients, sourcing, and testing

  • Respond quickly to customer inquiries and feedback

  • Offer guidance for new users (e.g., beginner kits or strength selection)

These practices create a loyal customer base, which is essential in a competitive market.

Step 9: Budget and Financial Planning

Start-up costs for a vape business in the UK vary depending on your model:

  • Online shop: £5,000–£15,000 (domain, hosting, stock, compliance)

  • Retail store: £15,000–£40,000 (rent, staff, inventory, design)

  • White label brand: £10,000+ (product development, branding, packaging)

Don’t forget ongoing costs such as rent, restocking, merchant fees, and insurance. Proper planning will ensure your business is financially sustainable beyond the launch phase.

Step 10: Track Performance and Stay Agile

Once your business is live, track key performance indicators (KPIs):

  • Customer satisfaction

  • Stock turnover

  • Compliance updates

  • Supplier delivery reliability

  • New product demand

Using this data, you can refine your offerings, cut waste, and stay competitive.

Conclusion

Starting a vape business in the UK in 2025 requires a strong understanding of regulations, a reliable supply chain, and a commitment to quality. Whether you choose to open a retail shop, build an online store, or launch a private label vape brand, success lies in staying compliant, offering trusted products, and adapting to customer needs.

If you’re ready to enter the vaping world, now is a great time to bring something valuable and responsible to the market.

Have questions about launching your vape business? Let us know in the comments. Want to explore wholesale vape options or start your private label? Browse our expert guides or reach out to get started.

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