Many UK merchants are eager to tap into the growing vape market online, but compliance remains a minefield. This guide breaks down the exact step-by-step compliance process for launching a legally sound Shopify vape store in the UK—from MHRA notification to packaging, payment gateways, and verification systems.
You can sell vapes on Shopify UK, but not through Shopify Payments.
All nicotine-containing products must be notified to the MHRA before sale.
TRPR-compliant packaging is legally required and tightly regulated.
Age verification at checkout is mandatory and must be integrated.
Only vape-friendly payment gateways like Pay by Bank can be used.
Wallid supports high-risk merchants with chargeback-free checkout and ID validation.
Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist for Shopify Vape Stores (UK 2025)
Use me as a Checklist!
1. Notify Your Products with the MHRA
The MHRA, or Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, is the UK authority responsible for regulating e-cigarettes and vape products. If you plan to sell any vape products containing nicotine, you must notify each item through the MHRA before making it available for sale.
Here’s how:
Register your business and product through the MHRA Submit portal
Provide detailed information: emissions test results, ingredient breakdown, packaging and labeling files
Pay the required £150 notification fee per product
Observe a 6-month grace period before launching any new nicotine product
This process ensures public safety and allows the government to track what’s being sold online. Skipping MHRA notification can result in bans, penalties, or takedowns from both Shopify and payment gateways.
2. Use TRPR-Compliant Packaging
TRPR stands for the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, which outline how vape products must be presented in the UK. Following these rules is non-negotiable for Shopify vape stores and is often checked during gateway approval or platform audits.
Your packaging must include:
A clear front and back warning label that reads: "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance."
A tactile warning triangle (for the visually impaired)
Child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging
Neutral branding that avoids glamour, cartoons, or youth-targeted designs
If you import or white-label products, double-check that your packaging supplier meets these exact standards to avoid costly repackaging or removals."This product contains nicotine..."
Child-resistant and tamper-evident design
Tactile triangle for visually impaired users
No glamorized or youth-oriented branding
TRPR Packaging Requirements Summary
⚠️ Nicotine Warning Label
The packaging must include this warning on both the front and back: "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance."
🔺 Tactile Triangle
Packaging must include a tactile warning triangle so visually impaired users can identify harmful substances.
🔒 Child-Resistant Design
All containers must use mechanisms like locking caps or squeeze systems to prevent access by children.
🚫 No Youth Branding
Avoid bright colours, cartoons, slang, or designs that may appeal to minors. TRPR prohibits glamorization.
3. Set Up Legal Age Verification
Selling vape products online without verifying a customer’s age is illegal in the UK. This is especially true for nicotine-based products, but also strongly advised for accessories and non-nicotine devices.
To comply:
Install a trusted age verification app, such as AgeChecked or NA Age Verifier
Offer age confirmation via date of birth, digital ID, or instant verification
Display an age disclaimer across your website (homepage, footer, and product pages)
Some payment gateways and compliance platforms offer built-in age verification. Always ensure the solution doesn’t overly disrupt the checkout flow to maintain conversions.(AgeChecked, NA Age Verifier)
Manual ID upload if needed
Gateway-integrated checks for seamless UX
Recommended Age Verification Apps for Shopify (UK Vape)
Choose the solution that best fits your store size, legal needs, and checkout flow.
🛡️ AgeCheckedRegulator Approved
Trusted UK solution with ID upload, electoral roll, and mobile verification support. Ideal for full compliance.
🔍 NA Age VerifierAdvanced Options
Allows date of birth entry, facial recognition, and custom styling. Best for Shopify Plus or tech-savvy stores.
💡 ShopAge VerificationBeginner Friendly
Simple popup gate. Great for small stores or those needing a quick, low-cost solution.
4. Use a High-Risk Friendly Payment Gateway
Shopify Payments, the default gateway on the platform, prohibits sales of vape and e-cigarette products due to their high-risk classification. Therefore, you’ll need to use a third-party processor that supports vape transactions in the UK.
Top choices include:
Pay by Bank (Wallid): Chargeback-free, frictionless payments directly from customer bank accounts
DigiPay: A traditional high-risk processor with experience in regulated verticals
EasyPayDirect: Offers extensive risk mitigation tools, though setup is more technical
To get approved, you’ll likely need to submit:
MHRA notification certificates
Your refund, shipping, and privacy policies
Proof of business registration (e.g., Companies House)
Store screenshots or previews showing compliant language and design
Starting this process early prevents integration delays and account rejections.. Use:
Pay by Bank (Wallid)
DigiPay
EasyPayDirect
Be ready to submit:
MHRA certificates
Refund policy
Legal disclaimers
Proof of UK business registration
Find the Right Vape Payment Gateway
Answer a few quick questions to discover which gateway best fits your Shopify vape store.
❌ No: You may still be classified as high-risk. Continue to the next question.
2. Do you want to eliminate chargebacks?
✅ Yes: Pay by Bank is chargeback-free and perfect for high-risk compliance.
❌ No: Consider DigiPay or EasyPayDirect with advanced fraud filters.
3. Do you need a no-code Shopify integration?
✅ Yes: Pay by Bank offers a Shopify App + Checkout Extension.
❌ No: DigiPay and EasyPayDirect also work well via manual/API setup.
💡 If you answered “Yes” to 2 or more questions, Pay by Bank is your ideal solution.
5. Add Legal Policies & Notices
Your Shopify vape store must reflect full transparency about what you're selling and to whom. This includes clearly communicating age restrictions, legal disclaimers, and your commercial policies.
Ensure your store contains:
A dedicated Refund Policy and Shipping Policy page
Age restriction notices in the site header, footer, and each product description
A disclaimer avoiding health claims or references like "safer than smoking"
These details help you pass merchant approval with payment gateways and create consumer trust—both legally and commercially.
Age disclaimer in header, footer, and product pages
Wallid's Pay by Bank offers vape merchants a powerful, compliant alternative with no chargebacks and smooth Shopify integration.
Conclusion
Setting up a compliant vape store on Shopify UK isn’t complicated—but it is detailed. From submitting MHRA notifications to setting up trusted age verification tools and high-risk payment gateways, each step ensures your store can run safely, legally, and without interruption.
If you're a new merchant in the vape space, don't cut corners. Use this guide to build your compliance foundation and earn long-term customer trust.
Ready to Sell Vapes Legally on Shopify?
Wallid’s Pay by Bank solution is built for high-risk products like vape and CBD. Eliminate chargebacks, streamline onboarding, and stay 100% compliant with UK law.
To legally sell vapes on Shopify in the UK, you must register nicotine products with the MHRA, use compliant packaging, integrate age verification, and work with a vape-friendly payment gateway like Pay by Bank.
FAQ
Can I sell vapes on Shopify UK in 2025?
Yes, but not through Shopify Payments. You must use a vape-friendly third-party payment gateway such as Pay by Bank, DigiPay, or EasyPayDirect.
What does MHRA notification involve?
You must submit test data, ingredient lists, packaging visuals, and pay a £150 fee per product. A 6-month grace period applies before sales can begin.
Do I need MHRA approval for non-nicotine vapes?
No, but following TRPR-compliant packaging and labeling standards is still recommended for safety and professionalism.
How do I verify a customer’s age on Shopify?
You can use apps like AgeChecked or NA Age Verifier, or enable verification through your payment gateway. Make sure age prompts are clear and compliant.
Can I legally sell vape accessories without age gates?
Technically yes, but it's best practice to apply age gates storewide to avoid policy violations or customer confusion.
What happens if I skip MHRA notification?
You risk takedowns, fines, and payment service termination. Selling unregistered nicotine products is a legal offence in the UK.
Which payment gateway is best for vape merchants?
Pay by Bank by Wallid is ideal for high-risk merchants. It offers chargeback-free transactions, age logic, and native Shopify integration.
What packaging elements are mandatory?
You must include a nicotine warning label, tactile triangle, child-resistant packaging, and avoid youth-appealing branding.
Can I use glamorized product imagery?
No. Avoid flashy designs or imagery that could appeal to minors or imply health benefits.
How do I avoid getting my Shopify store flagged?
Comply with UK laws, use legal disclaimers, implement age checks, and choose trusted payment gateways that support regulated products.
Expert Note:
Written by a Wallid Content Intern specializing in regulated product compliance and high-risk eCommerce flows. This article is part of Wallid’s ongoing initiative to support vape merchants with trusted payment infrastructure and checkout clarity.