Illegal vaping products are widely available across Wirral, and many people do not realise they are using devices that do not meet UK safety standards. These products can contain much higher levels of nicotine and other unknown substances, which can increase health risks, particularly for young people.
To stay safe, it’s important to only buy vapes from reputable retailers, understand what legal products should look like, and remember that you must be over 18 to buy any vaping product in the UK.
Wirral Ways has put together this simple checklist to help you tell the difference between legal and illegal vaping products.
What this guide covers
- Vapes and pods
- E-liquid refill containers
- Other important checks
- What to do locally if you’re worried
- Local support on Wirral
Vapes and pods
A legal vape device sold in Wirral must meet all of the following requirements:
- Tank or cartridge size
The maximum legal tank or pod size is 2ml. Devices with larger tanks are not legal in the UK. - Puff limits
Disposable vapes must not exceed 600 puffs. Products advertised with thousands of puffs are almost always illegal. - Nicotine strength
The legal limit is 20mg per millilitre (2%) nicotine. - Health warning labels
Packaging must display a nicotine warning covering at least 30% of the front and back, stating:
“This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.”
If this warning is missing, unclear, or altered, the product is not legal. - Ingredients
Legal vapes must not contain caffeine, taurine, or banned colourings. - Safety markings
Look for a CE mark and UKCA or kitemark, showing the product meets safety standards.
All vaping devices and e-liquids sold locally must also be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
E-liquid refill containers
Legal e-liquid refills sold in Wirral must:
- Contain no more than 10ml of e-liquid per bottle
- Have a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml (2%)
- Be used with tanks that hold no more than 2ml
- Display the required nicotine warning on 30% of the front and back
- Not include caffeine, taurine, or banned colourings
- Be child-resistant and tamper-proof
Other things to check
- Packaging condition
Only buy products that are sealed and undamaged. Tampered packaging can mean the product is unsafe or illegal. - MHRA product list
The MHRA publishes a list of all legal vaping products in the UK. If your device or e-liquid is not listed, it may be illegal. - QR codes
Some manufacturers include QR codes linking to product verification pages. While not required, these can help confirm legitimacy.
What to do locally if you’re worried
If you believe a shop on Wirral is selling illegal vaping products, or selling nicotine vapes to someone under 18, you can report this confidentially through Citizens Advice. Reports are passed to Wirral Trading Standards, who investigate locally.
If you’re worried about your own vaping or nicotine use, support is available.
- ABL Wirral provides free smoking cessation clinics, including support to quit smoking and nicotine altogether. This can include one-to-one support, advice, and nicotine replacement options.
- Wirral Ways can offer advice, harm reduction information, and support if vaping or nicotine use is linked to wider drug or alcohol use, or if you’re not sure what support is right for you.
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help.
You can find more information about Vaping on the ABL Wirral website.
Last Updated on 22 January 2026