Importing vaping products from China to the UK can be commercially attractive, but it is no longer as simple as finding a factory, placing an order, and arranging shipping. UK importers must consider product design, MHRA notification, customs, excise duty, packaging, electrical-product obligations, labelling, documentation and the UK’s ban on single-use vapes.
For businesses planning to enter the UK market in 2026, one point is particularly important: the UK’s ban on single-use vapes came into force on 1 June 2025 and covers both nicotine and nicotine-free products. A product is considered single-use if it is not designed for reuse, including products with a non-rechargeable battery or a non-refillable liquid container.
Therefore, if your business is looking to import products from China for sale in the UK, the safer approach is to work with a manufacturer that can develop UK-compliant rechargeable and refillable pod systems, rather than relying on traditional disposable products.
This guide explains the process step by step.
1. Understand the UK Single-Use Vape Ban Before Placing an Order
The first step is not choosing a supplier. It is determining whether the product you want to import can legally be supplied in the UK.
The UK single-use vape ban took effect on 1 June 2025. It applies to businesses involved in selling or supplying single-use vapes, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and importers. The ban covers products with or without nicotine. (GOV.UK)
Under the government definition, a vape is single-use if it:
- Has a battery that cannot be recharged; or
- Has a vaping-liquid container that cannot be refilled.
A reusable vape must have both:
- A rechargeable battery; and
- A refillable container for vaping liquid, such as a pod, cartridge or tank.
What does this mean for Chinese importers?
If a Chinese factory offers a traditional product described as a:
“Disposable Vape – 20,000 Puffs – Non-Rechargeable”
you should not assume that it can be imported and sold legally in the UK simply because the factory can export it to other countries.
For the UK market, consider asking the manufacturer to supply or develop a rechargeable, refillable pod system instead.
This distinction should be established before you pay a deposit or begin mass production.
2. Choose a UK-Compliant Product Specification
Once the product category has been established, the next step is to review the technical specification.
For nicotine-containing consumer products, the UK’s Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) impose important limits. Government guidance states that nicotine concentration must not exceed 20 mg/ml, while the maximum capacity for a vape tank or cartridge is generally 2 ml and a refill container is limited to 10 ml. Products must also meet child-resistance, tamper-evidence, ingredient, warning and notification requirements.
Before approving a product, a UK importer should therefore check:
Product design
- Is the device rechargeable?
- Is the liquid container refillable?
- Does the tank or cartridge comply with the applicable 2 ml limit?
- Is the product designed for repeated use?
- Is the charging system appropriate for the intended market?
- Does the product have suitable safety features?
E-liquid
For nicotine-containing products:
- Maximum nicotine strength: 20 mg/ml
- Maximum nicotine-containing refill container: 10 ml
- Maximum e-cigarette tank/cartridge capacity: generally 2 ml
The product should also comply with applicable ingredient restrictions and packaging requirements.
A manufacturer should provide a complete specification sheet before production rather than simply confirming that the product is “UK compliant.”
3. Check Whether the Product Has Been Notified to the MHRA
MHRA notification is one of the most important steps in legally supplying consumer vaping products in the UK.
The MHRA states that businesses that manufacture, import, or re-brand vapes and refill containers can fall within the definition of a producer. Products must be notified through the appropriate MHRA system before they are supplied to the UK market.
This is particularly important for private-label and OEM products.
For example, suppose a Chinese factory manufactures a pod device that has already been sold under Brand A. You create Brand B and use the same hardware but different branding.
You should not automatically assume that Brand A’s notification covers Brand B.
The MHRA guidance explains that where an importer or re-brander is placing a product on the market, the relevant notification position needs to be checked. Where an identical product has already been properly notified, the supplier should provide evidence of the notification and relevant identifiers.
Ask your supplier for:
- MHRA notification information
- ECID or relevant product identifier
- Product name and brand information
- Manufacturer information
- Ingredient information where applicable
- Technical specifications
- Product photographs
- Packaging information
- Supporting laboratory/testing documentation
Do not rely solely on a supplier saying:
“Our products are MHRA approved.”
Ask for documentation that allows you to verify the product.
4. Verify the Product on the MHRA Published List
Notification is not something an importer should simply take on trust.
The UK government advises retailers and businesses to check that relevant products have been notified and published. If a product cannot be found, the supplier should be asked to provide evidence explaining its notification status.
For an importer, a useful pre-order procedure is:
Supplier information → Product identification → MHRA notification check → Specification review → Sample inspection → Commercial order
This process can prevent a common mistake: ordering thousands of units before discovering that the exact product configuration cannot legally be supplied in the UK.
5. Make Sure Your Chinese Manufacturer Can Support Compliance
Not every Chinese vape factory is equally suitable for the UK market.
A factory may have strong production capacity but limited experience with UK compliance. For UK buyers, the supplier should be able to provide more than a product catalogue and quotation.
Before selecting a factory, ask whether it can provide:
- Product specifications
- Component information
- Battery information
- E-liquid information
- Test reports
- Packaging files
- Warning-label information
- Product photographs
- Batch information
- Manufacturing records
- Quality-control documentation
- Samples for compliance testing
- Support for MHRA notification
- Export documentation
For OEM projects, it is especially important to establish who is responsible for compliance.
The contract should clearly state whether the factory, importer, brand owner, or another party is responsible for each regulatory obligation.
6. Consider a Manufacturer With UK-Oriented OEM/ODM Experience
For businesses developing a private-label product, the factory can significantly affect the speed and cost of compliance.
One Chinese manufacturer worth considering is ZumoVape, operated by Dongguan Jishun Technology Co., Ltd. in Dongguan, Guangdong.
According to its official website, ZumoVape provides OEM/ODM manufacturing and has R&D and production operations in China, with experience developing pod and disposable-style products. (Zumo Vape)
Why consider ZumoVape for a UK project?
For a UK importer, the value of an OEM/ODM factory is not simply its unit price. A more useful supplier should be able to participate in the product-development process from the beginning.
A buyer can discuss:
- Rechargeable and refillable product architecture
- Private-label branding
- Product structure
- Packaging design
- Product specifications
- Production samples
- Manufacturing requirements
- Quality control
- Bulk production
- Export logistics
This is particularly relevant after the UK’s single-use vape ban, because a manufacturer may need to modify an existing product concept into a reusable product architecture rather than simply reproducing an old disposable design.
What should a buyer ask ZumoVape or another manufacturer?
Before placing a production order, ask:
- Can you manufacture rechargeable and refillable products for the UK market?
- Can you provide complete product specifications?
- Can you support UK compliance documentation?
- Can you provide samples before mass production?
- Can you provide battery and electrical safety documentation?
- Can you support private-label packaging?
- Can you provide batch and quality-control records?
- Who will provide information required for MHRA notification?
- Can you adapt the design to meet UK capacity requirements?
- Can you support the required customs and shipping documentation?
A factory that gives clear answers to these questions is generally a better starting point than one that only competes on price.
7. Obtain a UK EORI Number
After confirming that the product itself is suitable for the UK market, the importer needs to prepare for customs.
Businesses importing goods into Great Britain generally need a GB EORI number. Businesses moving goods involving Northern Ireland may also require an XI EORI number, depending on the movement.
The EORI number identifies the business when dealing with customs.
It should normally be arranged before the first commercial shipment, rather than waiting until the goods have already arrived at the port.
8. Determine the Correct Customs Classification
The importer must identify the correct commodity/tariff code for the specific product.
This matters because customs classification affects:
- Customs declarations
- Import duty
- VAT treatment
- Statistical reporting
- Excise treatment
- Customs clearance
Vaping products can contain several relevant characteristics, including an electronic device, battery and vaping liquid. The importer should therefore avoid selecting a tariff code based solely on a supplier’s commercial invoice.
HMRC’s current vaping-product guidance specifically requires importers to declare the correct tariff code and provide accurate product descriptions, including the net liquid volume in litres. Importers should also retain documents such as bills of lading, invoices and packing lists.
For larger shipments, using a UK customs broker or freight forwarder with experience in vaping products can reduce the risk of classification and declaration errors.
9. Calculate UK Vaping Products Duty
This is an increasingly important issue for anyone importing vaping products into the UK.
The UK is introducing Vaping Products Duty (VPD). HMRC states that the duty applies to vaping liquid, including liquids containing nicotine and those without nicotine. It applies to products imported into the UK as well as domestically manufactured products.
For products imported into the UK, Vaping Products Duty must be accounted for at import unless the products immediately enter an appropriate duty-suspension arrangement, such as an approved customs or excise warehouse.
Important 2026 date
For businesses importing during late 2026, this should be treated as a major planning issue.
HMRC guidance states that products released for UK consumption from 1 October 2026 are subject to the new vaping-duty and stamping arrangements. Businesses involved in importing, manufacturing, wholesaling or storing vaping products should check the latest HMRC requirements before shipment.
This means the landed cost of a product should not be calculated using:
Factory price + shipping = final cost
A more realistic calculation should consider:
Product cost + packaging + testing/compliance + freight + customs charges + import VAT + applicable Vaping Products Duty + warehousing + fulfilment + environmental obligations
This is especially important when comparing Chinese suppliers.
10. Understand Vaping Duty Stamps
The new Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme adds another compliance layer.
HMRC guidance explains that vaping products released for UK consumption are subject to duty-stamp requirements under the new regime, while products entering duty suspension follow different procedures. Overseas manufacturers that want to arrange stamping as part of manufacturing may need an approved UK representative.
Because the implementation arrangements are changing during 2026, importers should confirm the exact stamping requirements applicable to their shipment before production and shipping.
This is one area where an importer should not rely on an old supplier checklist.
11. Prepare the Correct Shipping and Customs Documents
A commercial shipment from China will normally require appropriate commercial and transport documentation.
The exact documents depend on the transaction and shipping method, but buyers should expect to work with documents such as:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Customs declaration information
- Product description
- Commodity code
- Net liquid volume
- Country of origin
- Quantity and unit value
- Importer and consignee information
- Relevant compliance documents
- Product specifications
- Test reports where applicable
HMRC specifically advises importers of vaping products to retain invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and measurement evidence.
The product description should be accurate.
Avoid vague descriptions such as:
“Electronic accessories”
when the shipment actually contains vaping products.
Incorrect declarations can create customs, tax and enforcement problems.
12. Check Electrical, WEEE and Battery Responsibilities
A reusable vape is not only a vaping product. It is also an electrical and electronic product.
That means environmental and electrical-product obligations may apply.
The UK’s WEEE framework covers businesses that manufacture, rebrand or commercially import electrical and electronic equipment. The government specifically identifies e-cigarettes and vapes within the electrical and electronic equipment framework.
A commercial importer may therefore have producer responsibilities, including registration and reporting requirements depending on its circumstances.
For example, businesses may need to consider:
- WEEE registration
- WEEE reporting
- Recycling obligations
- Take-back responsibilities
- Product marking
- Record keeping
- Battery-related obligations
The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol is also part of WEEE compliance requirements.
This is one reason why a UK importer should not treat vape compliance as only an MHRA issue.
13. Check UK Packaging EPR Requirements
Packaging is another area that can easily be overlooked by first-time importers.
The UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging system can apply to businesses that supply or import packaging or packaged goods into the UK.
Depending on the company’s turnover, packaging quantities and business structure, obligations may include:
- Registration
- Packaging-data reporting
- Financial contributions
- Compliance-scheme participation
- Record keeping
The precise obligation depends on the company’s circumstances and the amount and type of packaging placed on the UK market.
For a private-label vape brand, the importer should therefore consider not only the device but also:
- Retail box
- Inner packaging
- Outer cartons
- Plastic components
- Promotional packaging
- Shipping materials
Packaging data should be collected from the beginning of the project rather than reconstructed after the first year of sales.
14. Review Product Labelling Before Mass Production
Labelling mistakes are expensive because changing printed packaging after production can require a new production run.
Before approving the final artwork, review:
- Product name
- Brand name
- Manufacturer information
- Importer information where applicable
- Required health warnings
- Nicotine information
- Ingredients information
- Capacity information
- Batch/lot information
- Age-related warnings
- Safety information
- Recycling/environmental marks
- Other mandatory information
For nicotine-containing products, the UK regulatory framework includes specific requirements relating to packaging, warnings, child resistance and tamper evidence.
The final packaging should be checked against the actual finished product, not just the original specification.
15. Order Samples Before Committing to Mass Production
Never make the first UK shipment your first product test.
A better process is:
Factory selection → Specification → Prototype → Sample → Compliance review → Packaging proof → Pilot order → Mass production
During the sample stage, check:
Hardware
- Charging performance
- Battery behaviour
- Leakage
- Pod connection
- Coil performance
- Airflow
- Refill mechanism
- Button or activation mechanism
- Materials
- Overall build quality
Packaging
- Dimensions
- Printed information
- Warning text
- Product name
- Barcode
- Batch information
- Recycling marks
- Packaging integrity
Commercial details
- Carton quantity
- Net weight
- Gross weight
- Product weight
- Shipping dimensions
- HS/tariff classification information
- Documentation consistency
A sample approval process can prevent thousands of non-compliant or incorrectly printed products from reaching production.
16. Use a UK Customs Broker or Compliance Specialist for the First Shipment
Import regulations become particularly complicated when several regimes overlap.
A specialist can help with:
- Customs declarations
- Commodity classification
- Import VAT
- Excise procedures
- Vaping Products Duty
- Duty suspension
- Warehousing
- Documentation
- Border clearance
This is particularly valuable for first-time importers.
The UK government itself notes that importers can hire a transporter or customs agent to handle import declarations.
The cost of professional customs assistance is usually much smaller than the potential cost of a shipment being delayed or incorrectly declared.
17. Keep a Complete Compliance File for Every Product
Good record-keeping is one of the easiest ways to make future imports more efficient.
Create a compliance folder for each SKU containing:
- Product specification
- Manufacturer information
- Product photographs
- MHRA notification information
- Test reports
- Ingredient information
- Packaging artwork
- Final approved packaging
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Shipping documents
- Customs declarations
- Duty records
- Batch records
- Quality-control reports
- WEEE information
- Packaging EPR information
- Supplier agreement
- Sample approval records
- Product change history
When a product changes, update the file rather than assuming the previous compliance documents still cover the new version.
18. Be Careful With Product Changes After MHRA Notification
An important issue for OEM brands is product modification.
Suppose a factory initially manufactures:
Product A — 2 ml pod, rechargeable battery
The brand later asks the factory to change:
- Pod capacity
- Coil
- Battery
- E-liquid formulation
- Nicotine concentration
- Product name
- Packaging
- Hardware structure
The buyer should not automatically assume that the original compliance position remains unchanged.
Changes can affect notification information and other regulatory requirements.
Therefore, introduce a change-control procedure:
Product change request → Regulatory assessment → Notification review → Sample approval → Packaging review → Production
This simple process can prevent an OEM manufacturer from making a seemingly minor modification that creates a new compliance problem.
19. Calculate the True Landed Cost Before Negotiating the Factory Price
Chinese factory quotations can sometimes make a product look cheaper than it actually is.
For example:
| Cost category | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Factory price | Unit price × quantity |
| OEM cost | Logo, mould, packaging and customization |
| Samples | Product development and testing |
| Packaging | Boxes, inserts, labels and cartons |
| Freight | Sea, air or express shipping |
| Customs | Declaration and clearance |
| Import taxes | VAT and applicable customs charges |
| Vaping Products Duty | Applicable vaping-liquid duty |
| Warehousing | Storage and fulfilment |
| WEEE | Applicable producer obligations |
| Packaging EPR | Applicable packaging obligations |
| Compliance | Testing, documentation and professional services |
| Returns | Defective products and after-sales costs |
A supplier offering the lowest FOB price is not necessarily the cheapest supplier after the product reaches the UK.
20. Avoid These Common China-to-UK Import Mistakes
Mistake 1: Importing traditional disposables for UK sale
This is the biggest issue.
Traditional single-use vapes have been banned from sale and supply in the UK since 1 June 2025.
Better approach: Develop a rechargeable and refillable product.
Mistake 2: Assuming “MHRA approved” is enough
MHRA notification is only one part of compliance.
You also need to consider:
- Product specifications
- Customs
- Duty
- Labelling
- WEEE
- Packaging
- Battery requirements
- Product safety
Mistake 3: Using another company’s notification
Do not assume that a product notification automatically covers your private-label product.
Verify the exact product and brand position.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the 2 ml rule
For consumer nicotine products, the applicable capacity limits need to be checked before production.
Mistake 5: Treating 2026 vaping duty as a future problem
It is already part of the UK’s regulatory planning for vaping products, with implementation from October 2026.
Mistake 6: Letting the factory choose the customs classification without verification
The importer remains responsible for ensuring the customs declaration is accurate.
Mistake 7: Printing thousands of boxes before compliance review
Always approve the final artwork before mass production.
21. A Practical China-to-UK Import Checklist
Before placing your first purchase order, work through this checklist.
Product
- Product is not a prohibited single-use vape
- Rechargeable battery
- Refillable liquid container
- Capacity complies with UK requirements
- Nicotine strength complies with UK requirements
- Product specifications confirmed
MHRA
- Product notification status checked
- Relevant product identifier recorded
- Brand information verified
- Manufacturer information verified
- Product changes reviewed
Customs
- GB EORI obtained
- XI EORI assessed if relevant
- Commodity code confirmed
- Importer details correct
- Commercial invoice prepared
- Packing list prepared
- Shipping documents prepared
Vaping Products Duty
- Vaping Products Duty assessed
- Duty calculation understood
- Duty-suspension requirements assessed if applicable
- Vaping duty-stamp requirements checked
- HMRC requirements reviewed before shipment
Environmental compliance
- WEEE obligations assessed
- Battery obligations assessed
- Packaging EPR assessed
- Required environmental markings checked
Product quality
- Factory audit completed
- Sample approved
- Packaging proof approved
- QC inspection arranged
- Batch documentation retained
22. The Simplest Legal Import Route for a New UK Buyer
For a company entering the market for the first time, the process can be simplified into eight stages:
Stage 1 — Select the product
Choose a rechargeable and refillable product rather than a traditional single-use disposable.
Stage 2 — Select the manufacturer
Choose a Chinese OEM/ODM factory with appropriate production capacity and compliance support.
Stage 3 — Review the specification
Confirm the product architecture, liquid capacity, nicotine strength, battery, and refill system.
Stage 4 — Verify regulatory status
Check MHRA notification and the other applicable UK requirements.
Stage 5 — Approve samples
Test the actual product and packaging.
Stage 6 — Prepare the import business
Obtain the appropriate EORI, arrange customs support, and understand VAT, duty, and Vaping Products Duty.
Stage 7 — Produce and ship
Only begin mass production after compliance and packaging approvals are complete.
Stage 8 — Maintain compliance
Keep product, customs, tax, environmental and quality records and reassess compliance whenever the product changes.
23. Final Takeaway
Importing vaping products from China to the UK is still possible, but “importing disposable vapes” is no longer an accurate description of a compliant UK business model.
The UK’s single-use vape ban has been in force since 1 June 2025. Businesses intending to sell vaping products in the UK should instead focus on products that meet the legal definition of reusable—particularly devices with a rechargeable battery and refillable liquid container.
For Chinese manufacturers, this creates a different opportunity. Rather than simply exporting traditional disposable devices, factories can work with UK brands on rechargeable pod systems, refillable devices, private-label products, and OEM/ODM development designed around the target market’s regulatory requirements.
A successful China-to-UK project therefore starts with compliance—not shipping.
The most practical sequence is:
UK regulations → product design → manufacturer → MHRA → testing → packaging → EORI/customs → Vaping Products Duty → WEEE/EPR → shipment → ongoing compliance.
For brands looking for an established Chinese OEM/ODM partner, ZumoVape’s official website provides information about its manufacturing, R&D, and customization capabilities. (Zumo Vape)
Important: UK vaping regulations are changing rapidly. This article is intended as a practical business guide, not legal or tax advice. Importers should verify the requirements applying to their specific product, business structure and shipment with the relevant UK authorities or a qualified customs/regulatory adviser before importing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still import disposable vapes from China into the UK?
If by “disposable vape” you mean a single-use, non-rechargeable or non-refillable vape intended for supply in the UK, you should not import it for UK sale. The UK’s single-use vape ban has applied since 1 June 2025 and covers importers as well as other businesses supplying these products.
Can I import rechargeable vapes from China into the UK?
Yes, reusable vaping products can still be supplied, provided they comply with the applicable UK regulatory, product-safety, customs, tax and environmental requirements. A rechargeable battery alone is not enough—the product must also satisfy the relevant definition and regulatory requirements for a reusable product.
Do Chinese vape manufacturers need MHRA notification?
The UK rules place obligations on producers, including businesses that manufacture, import or re-brand e-cigarettes and refill containers. The applicable products must be properly notified before being supplied to the UK market.
What is the maximum nicotine strength allowed?
For consumer products regulated under the standard TRPR framework, nicotine concentration must not exceed 20 mg/ml.
What is the maximum vape tank capacity?
For consumer e-cigarettes, tanks/cartridges are generally limited to 2 ml, while refill containers are limited to 10 ml.
Do I need a UK EORI number?
Businesses importing goods into Great Britain generally need a GB EORI number. An XI EORI may also be relevant to certain movements involving Northern Ireland.
Do imported vapes have to pay Vaping Products Duty?
Vaping Products Duty applies to vaping liquid, including nicotine and non-nicotine liquids. Importers need to understand the duty treatment applicable to their products and whether goods are entering duty suspension.
Does WEEE apply to vapes?
Vapes are within the UK’s electrical and electronic equipment framework. Businesses commercially importing EEE into the UK can have producer responsibilities under WEEE rules.
Does packaging EPR apply to vape brands?
It can. UK packaging EPR applies to qualifying businesses that supply or import packaging or packaged goods. The exact obligations depend on factors such as turnover, packaging tonnage and the business’s role in the supply chain. (GOV.UK)
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