Countries That Banned Vaping: A 2025 Guide to Vape Laws Worldwide

Vaping regulations have become more complex in 2025. Whether you’re a vape shop owner, traveler, or just curious, understanding where vaping is banned and where it’s regulated is vital for making informed decisions.

Table of Contents

1. Why Do Some Countries Ban Vaping in 2025?
2. Countries with Full Vape Bans
3. Countries Where Vaping Is Legal but Regulated
   • North America
   • Europe (non-EU bans)
   • Asia & Middle East
   • Africa & South America
   • Oceania
4. Key Considerations for Travelers & Retailers
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
6. What to Do Next to Stay Compliant in 2025
7. Final Thoughts

Why Do Some Countries Ban Vaping in 2025?

Health Concerns: Global health organizations continue emphasizing uncertainties about long‑term vape effects. Many governments maintain a cautious stance, particularly where research is incomplete.

Youth Protection & Environmental Impact: Disposable and flavored vapes are linked to underage use and increased electronic waste. These factors have contributed to sweeping bans in several regions.

Countries with Full Vape Bans

These countries prohibit vaping entirely: sales, import, possession, and use:

• Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Mexico, Nepal, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Venezuela, North Korea, Seychelles. 

• Maldives enacted a ban in December 2024, imposing fines up to MVR 50,000 for import or sales violations. 

Regions Banning Disposable or Flavored Vapes

• European Union:

  • Belgium became the first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes effective January 1, 2025.

  • UK enacted a national ban on all single-use vapes from June 1, 2025, with fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.

  • Ireland plans to ban disposables and restrict flavors; penalties include €4,000 fines and 6-month jail terms.

• Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Full bans on vape sale and use phased in 2024–2025, with severe fines and prison time.

• Australia: Only therapeutic (prescription) vapes sold through pharmacies; importation outside these channels is illegal.

• Philippines: Now enforces strict labeling and certification for vape products via Republic Act 11900.

Countries Where Vaping Is Legal but Regulated

North America

• United States: Regulated by the FDA; state-level laws govern flavor bans, age limits (including 21+), and indoor usage restrictions. Curious about how these rules play out state by state? Dive into our guide: Vaping Regulations for 2025 in the United States to get the latest on FDA policy, flavor bans, retail rules, and local variations, perfect for U.S.-based retailers, travelers, or responsible vape users.

• Canada: Over‑18 age limit, marketing restrictions, and health warning requirements.

Europe (non-EU bans)

• Italy, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Austria: All enforce EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) rules—20 mg/ml nicotine cap, 2ml tank limits, plain warnings, public-use restrictions. Some restrict flavors or online sales.

Asia & Middle East

• Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea: Legal but highly regulated. UAE is increasing packaging and health warning regulations in 2025.

• Russia: Still legal but proposed total prohibition set for July 2025; carrying devices may lead to confiscation as enforcement tightens.

Africa & South America

• South Africa, Kenya: Moving toward enforcement and registration of vapes; labeling laws in 2025; bans in Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Uganda persist.

• Argentina and Brazil are tightening regulation on flavored and disposable vape use.

Oceania

• New Zealand: Vaping legal under specialist retailer model with strict quality and registration controls.

Key Considerations for Travelers & Retailers

• Penalties vary: Thailand enforces up to 5 years imprisonment and undisclosed fines for vaping violations. Singapore and Qatar impose high monetary penalties.

• Customs risk: Devices or liquids may be seized upon entry in banned nations.

• Retail compliance: Sellers should verify destination regulations before exporting or shipping vape products internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What to Do Next to Stay Compliant in 2025

1. Monitor regulation updates in your target countries and review official sources regularly.

2. Shift product lines to refillable or prescription-only models where disposables are banned.

3. Offer customers comprehensive regulatory info ("Vape Laws by Country 2025") to build trust.

4. Subscribe to regulatory alerts or industry newsletters for fast updates.

Final Thoughts

Vape laws continue to evolve rapidly around the globe in 2025. While some countries fully embrace regulated use, others enforce outright bans or restrict specific product types like disposables. Whether you're a business owner, traveler, or regional supplier, staying informed and compliant is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure responsible operations.

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