Vaping is now firmly part of the European nicotine landscape, and Ireland’s rules have tightened quickly in the last two years. If you make, import, sell, or use e-cigarettes, you’re subject to a mix of EU-wide standards and Irish-specific laws that cover everything from nicotine strength and packaging to who can buy, where products can be advertised, and—soon—how e-liquids are taxed. Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what’s legal today (as of August 13, 2025) and what changes are on the way.
The EU baseline: the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)
Across the EU, e-cigarettes sold as consumer products are regulated under Article 20 of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD 2014/40/EU). The TPD does not ban vaping; instead, it imposes standards designed to protect consumers and ensure consistent regulation in every Member State. Key points include: a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL; maximum tank size of 2 mL and refill bottle size of 10 mL; health warnings and informational leaflets; ingredient and emissions reporting; and a prior notification to national authorities before products are placed on the market. If a product is presented as a smoking-cessation medicine, it may fall under the medicines/medical devices rules instead of the TPD.
The TPD also restricts cross-border distance sales (online, mail order). It allows Member States to prohibit these sales entirely; where allowed, retailers must register and deploy effective age-verification systems so minors cannot buy. Several countries have chosen outright bans, while others maintain registration schemes.
Advertising and promotions at the EU level
The TPD and related EU rules curtail cross-border advertising and sponsorship of e-cigarettes, particularly in media with cross-border reach. National authorities also layer additional limits (see Ireland below), especially where minors may be exposed. In practice, marketing options are far narrower than for most consumer goods, and Member States can go further than the EU baseline.
Ireland’s core rules (what’s in force now)
Ireland regulates vaping under the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 and subsequent commencement orders and guidance. Several important provisions are already active:
Age restriction: It is illegal to sell nicotine-inhaling products to anyone under 18. Offences can carry fines up to €4,000 and/or six months’ imprisonment, with higher penalties for repeat offences.
Advertising near children and on public transport: Since September 23, 2024, advertising of nicotine-inhaling products is prohibited in or at schools (including within 200 metres), in cinemas (except before/ during films rated 18+), on public transport, and at train/bus/light-rail stops and stations. Fixed-penalty notices are available to enforcers; breaches can lead to prosecution.
Sales at children’s events: Selling tobacco or nicotine-inhaling products at events aimed at children, or where the majority of attendees are children, is banned (also in force since Sept 23, 2024).
Self-service and vending: Ireland has moved to end self-service sales. The Minister has commenced a law to ban sales of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products by self-service with effect from September 2025 (giving businesses time to adapt). In parallel, vending-machine sales of e-cigarettes are set to be prohibited from September 29, 2025.
These measures sit alongside the EU TPD product standards already described (nicotine cap, tank/bottle limits, warnings, product notifications), which apply in Ireland as an EU Member State. CBD products like you find under cbdoilhemp.ie come under similar laws and protocols in Ireland.
Where Ireland is going next: display rules, disposables, and flavours
The Government has approved the drafting of further legislation to tighten retail display rules (e.g., keeping vapes out of sight like cigarettes) and to ban single-use (disposable) vapes. Ministers have also flagged restrictions on flavours and packaging aimed at reducing youth appeal. As of today (August 13, 2025), these measures have Government approval and are being advanced in legislation, but the nationwide ban on disposables in the Republic of Ireland has not yet commenced. Keep in mind that Northern Ireland (under UK law) has already brought a disposable-vape ban into effect on June 1, 2025, with a six-month sell-through period for existing stock.
Taxation: a new e-liquid excise in 2025
Beyond product and marketing rules, Ireland is introducing an excise duty on e-liquids known as the E-liquid Products Tax (EPT). According to Revenue, EPT is expected to come into effect in 2025 and will apply to all e-liquid products, including nicotine-free liquids, on the first supply in the State. Government and independent briefings indicate a headline rate of €0.50 per millilitre (final commencement and administrative details are being implemented through Finance/Oireachtas processes). Suppliers will need to register with Revenue and file returns after each accounting period.
For consumers and retailers, the practical effect is higher shelf prices once EPT starts. For example, a typical 10 mL refill could see a €5 increase if the full tax is passed through; disposables (if still legal when the tax starts) would also rise—but note the planned ban on single-use devices.
Cross-border distance sales (online purchases)
If you buy from (or sell to) other EU countries, the rules depend on each state’s stance under Article 18 TPD. Some Member States have banned cross-border distance sales entirely; others allow them, subject to retailer registration and robust age-verification. Ireland recognises the TPD framework and highlights registration obligations where such sales are permitted. The safe assumption is that if a country bans these sales, Irish consumers cannot legally be supplied from there; where they are allowed, the seller must be registered and verify age. Always check the destination country’s rules.
Flavours, local variations, and national add-ons in the EU
The TPD sets minimum standards, but Member States can go further. That is why flavour rules, retail display requirements, online sales permissions, and taxation vary across the EU. Some states have imposed strict flavour limits; several have banned cross-border distance sales; and many are rolling out or increasing excise on e-liquids. Businesses operating in multiple EU markets need to track both the TPD and national transpositions and add-ons.
What this means for consumers in Ireland
- Vaping is legal for adults, and products that meet TPD standards can be sold legally on sites such as Urban Vape Ireland. Expect age checks and fewer adverts in places frequented by young people.
- Prices are likely to rise in 2025 as EPT rolls out. If you buy online from other EU countries, ensure the seller is allowed to supply Ireland and uses age verification; otherwise, the sale may be unlawful.
- Disposable vapes: Keep an eye on the forthcoming Irish ban; it has Government backing and is moving through the legislative process. If you travel to Northern Ireland, note that disposables are already banned there.
What this means for Irish retailers and importers
- Ensure full TPD compliance (notification, labelling, 20 mg/mL cap, 2 mL/10 mL volume limits) for every SKU you place on the market in Ireland.
- Implement age-verification and align your advertising with the 2024 Irish prohibitions near schools, in cinemas (except 18+ showings), and across public transport/stations. Train staff on prohibited venues and events.
- Prepare for the end of self-service and vending by September 2025, and plan for EPT registration and returns once excise goes live.
- Monitor the legislative timeline on disposable vapes and display rules (keeping vapes out of sight), and review your flavour/packaging portfolios in case of further national restrictions.
Bottom line
In Ireland, adult vaping remains legal—but with growing guardrails. The EU’s TPD establishes the product safety and information baseline (nicotine caps, volume limits, warnings, notifications), while Irish law has added powerful child-protection measures around sales, advertising, and soon, self-service and vending. A new excise on e-liquids will be introduced in 2025, and a national ban on disposable vapes will be advancing through the Oireachtas after government approval. For users, that means legal access to compliant products with stricter marketing and higher prices; for businesses, it means tighter compliance, new tax obligations, and rapid policy change to track.
