Vaping has become extremely popular in recent years but it is not safe for health. That is why there is a set age for vaping in most countries. Underage vaping can have some serious effects on both mental and physical health.
In this article, we will get to know about ‘how old you should be to buy a vape product’ and things related to it. Let’s dig deep to better understand vaping…
The Popularity of Vaping
As the popularity of vaping has grown, many brands are coming up with new and innovative vape products. However, this also raised concerns about how vaping impacts the health of users. Parents and health professionals as well as legislators are concerned about the rising popularity of vape products. This also led to e-cigs being classed as traditional tobacco cigarettes.
However, vaping is legal in some states but with a minimum age requirement. Age restrictions are prevalent in most countries around the world with the United States setting the legal age to vape higher than the legal adulthood age. Whether you are a parent with a child interested in vaping or a teenager wanting to try vaping, you may be wondering how old you should be to buy a vape.
If you’re looking for some useful information on the legal age to vape, we have your back.
What Is the Legal Age to Vape?
So, how old to buy a vape?
Vaping laws vary across countries, but there is one common regulation which is the minimum age to buy a vape. In the majority of states, the minimum age to purchase vaping products is 21. However, there are some countries where the minimum age to vape is 18 or 19. In addition to the minimum age, there are many other regulations in each country.
Apart from the minimum age, the other regulations include restrictions on vaping in certain public areas, such as government buildings, schools, hospitals, etc.
Let’s take a quick look at vaping age laws around the world…
Minimum Age to Vape in Europe
COUNTRY |
LEGAL AGE TO VAPE |
OTHER RESTRICTIONS |
United Kingdom |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether selling e-liquid is legal or not |
France |
At least 18 years old |
The nicotine amount does not affect the minimum age |
Italy |
At least 18 years old |
No restrictions for selling nicotine-free e-cigs |
Germany |
At least 18 years old |
The nicotine amount does not affect the minimum age |
Russia |
E-cigs are unregulated as they are not considered to be a tobacco product |
No such law found |
Belgium |
At least 16 years old |
Nicotine-free e-cigs do not have any minimum age |
Greece |
At least 18 years old |
Nicotine-free e-cigs do not have any minimum age |
Slovenia |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether selling e-liquid is legal or not |
Spain |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether selling e-liquid is legal or not |
Sweden |
At least 18 years old |
No age minimum for nicotine-free e-cigs |
Bulgaria |
At least 18 years old |
No age minimum for nicotine-free e-cigs |
Portugal |
At least 18 years old |
No age minimum for nicotine-free e-cigs |
Romania |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether nicotine impacts the minimum age |
Croatia |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether nicotine impacts the minimum age |
Holland |
At least 18 years old |
Not clear whether nicotine impacts the minimum age |
Czech Republic |
At least 18 years old |
No age minimum for nicotine-free e-cigs |
Switzerland |
It does not appear that there is a minimum age but vape companies agreed to prohibit sales to minors |
No restrictions for selling nicotine-free e-cigs |
Minimum Age of Vaping in the Americas
COUNTRY |
LEGAL AGE TO VAPE |
United States of America |
At least 18 years old |
Canada |
At least 18 years old |
Brazil |
Technically, selling vape products is illegal |
Paraguay |
At least 18 years old |
Argentina |
Technically, selling vape products is illegal |
Mexico |
Seems like E-cigs containing nicotine are illegal but no restrictions on nicotine-free products |
Minimum Age of Vaping in Asia-Pacific
COUNTRY |
LEGAL AGE TO VAPE |
OTHER RESTRICTIONS |
China |
At least 18 years old |
The Administration prohibited the sale of ‘flavored e-cigs |
India |
At least 18 years old |
Vape products containing nicotine are considered unapproved drugs |
Malaysia |
At least 18 years old |
Prohibits minors from buying or using vape products |
United Arab Emirates |
Technically, vaping is illegal in the UAE |
The government is reviewing alternative tobacco products |
Japan |
Minors can buy nicotine-free vapes |
No regulations on nicotine-free e-cigs |
Pakistan |
Unregulated vaping market |
No such rules on smoking and vaping |
South Korea |
At least 19 years old |
Nicotine-free e-cigs are considered consumer products |
New Zealand |
At least 18 years old |
Limit nicotine quantity and flavors |
Australia |
At least 18 years old |
Different regulations in every state but nicotine-free vapes are legal |
Bahrain |
Technically, vaping is illegal |
|
Israel |
Generally, no age restrictions |
|
Vietnam |
At least 18 years old |
The sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited |
Minimum Age for Vaping in Africa
COUNTRY |
LEGAL AGE TO VAPE |
OTHER RESTRICTIONS |
South Africa |
At least 18 years old |
Using tobacco products by minors is prohibited |
Countries Where Vaping is Strictly Regulated…
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- India
- Hong Kong
- Cambodia
- Mexico
- Oman
- Nicaragua
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Seychelles
- Suriname
- Uruguay
Note: The above table is just an approximate analysis and is for reference purposes only. The information is for people who are looking for an answer to how old they should be to buy a vape…
Why is There A Vaping Age Limit?
Wondering how old to buy a vape? Well, there are some rules and regulations regarding the minimum age of vaping and we’ll discuss why…
The rules regarding vaping are designed to keep minors safe as any product that contains nicotine can be addictive and dangerous. Vapes are considered a safer alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes but they still contain nicotine and other harmful substances. These chemicals can harm the body in various ways.
Vaping has become increasingly popular, with many people considering it an effective alternative to smoking. However, this is also leading to an increase in the number of underage vapers. This is one of the biggest reasons that authorities have some set rules and regulations for vaping. Therefore, there is a minimum age requirement to buy and use a vape.
Curiosity in teenagers to try out different vape devices and e-liquid flavors is another major reason for setting the legal age for vaping. Enforcing a minimum vaping legal age is meant to prevent selling such products to minors. This is why some countries regulate vaping just like other tobacco products. Some countries permit a certain amount of nicotine to be sold legally while others consider it completely illegal.
Also, there are regulations on the manufacturing of e-liquids especially with high nicotine levels. Some countries have tighter checks on the manufacturing of flavored e-liquid and nicotine usage. The vaping ingredients need to go through quality checks so that they can be sold legally via retail and online stores.
The vascular diseases that vape users may develop are almost similar to those of tobacco cigarette users. Consuming too much nicotine may also lead to strokes and heart attacks. This may also lead to lung diseases and inflammation of the respiratory system. So if you’re concerned about how old to buy a vape, you will need to know the rules and restrictions.
The Impact of Underage Vaping
An e-liquid pod can contain nicotine equivalent to a packet of tobacco cigarettes. This much nicotine exposure during the teenage years not only harms physical health but also brain development. Nicotine is an addictive substance and can have effects on cognitive development. It may also lead to chronic lung disease and asthma.
Too much nicotine consumption may also lead to increased heart rate, sweating, vomiting, and dizziness. Vape products can be harmful, even if they have been labeled as safe or nicotine-free. This may also increase future addiction to other harmful drugs.
While medical professionals are still researching the short as well as long-term health effects of using vape products, they are still not safe. Therefore, it is important to stay in moderation while using these products and choose high-quality products.
Also, it is recommended to find reliable and reputed vape brands and know the ingredients used to make these products. Some companies also provide vape products at a discounted price and use low-quality ingredients to cover the cost.
The Concluding Part
While federal regulations restrict the sale of vape products to minors, some loopholes still exist. Teen vaping has become excessively popular these days with an army of marketing teams designing attractive ads. Many companies are providing cutting-edge vape devices directed at teens. This is why you as a parent have the responsibility to understand vaping and everything related to it.
Most governments treat e-cigarettes as tobacco products but there are some states where vaping is legal. Vaping laws can vary widely by state but it should be noted that many states have enacted laws banning such products for underage people. Every country has a set of rules on how old to buy a vape that you should follow.
As the vaping industry grows, it is becoming more and more regulated. Some of the reputed brands follow all the rules implemented by the concerned authorities.