Selling vapes on Shopify in the UK is possible—but not without risk. This guide explains how to stay compliant with Shopify policies, payment gateway rules, and UK vape laws so your store doesn't get banned.
Shopify allows vape sales in the UK, but stores must meet high-risk compliance standards.
Shopify Payments is not vape-friendly—use third-party gateways like WalliD Pay by Bank.
Age verification is legally required and must be implemented using third-party tools.
Dropshipping is legal, but store owners retain full liability for compliance and returns.
Using a compliant payment method improves approval rates and reduces the risk of store suspension.
Can You Sell Vapes on Shopify in the UK?
Yes, you can—but there are strict rules you must follow. Vape products fall under Shopify’s "high-risk" category, which means you cannot use Shopify Payments and must meet both platform and legal compliance standards.
Shopify permits the sale of vape products in jurisdictions where it's legal, such as the UK. However, they also reserve the right to disable any store that violates their Acceptable Use Policy. This means your store must be extra careful about what you sell, how you present it, and what kind of infrastructure (payments, verification, policies) supports your operations.
You'll need to:
Partner with third-party payment providers that accept vape businesses
Use age verification tools to prevent underage sales
Follow UK-specific laws like TPD (Tobacco Products Directive)
Maintain proper documentation and product disclosures
Why Most Vape Stores Get Flagged or Banned
Many store owners mistakenly think that just because vape products are legal in the UK, they can operate freely on Shopify. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here’s where most stores go wrong:
Using Shopify Payments: This is the most common mistake. Shopify Payments (powered by Stripe) prohibits high-risk categories including tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vape liquids. Even if your store gets approved initially, it can be shut down later once your products are reviewed.
No Age Verification: Selling to minors is illegal, and Shopify doesn’t automatically handle age verification. If you're not using a third-party tool or app, you're at risk.
Improper Product Descriptions: Vague or non-compliant product labels, lack of nicotine content disclosure, or claims like "safe alternative to smoking" can trigger flags.
Missing Legal Pages: If your store doesn't include Terms & Conditions, a privacy policy, or a returns page, it may be deemed untrustworthy or non-compliant.
Vape-Friendly Payment Gateways for Shopify (UK)
Because Shopify Payments is off-limits, you'll need to rely on high-risk friendly gateways. Here's a comparison of the most popular and reliable options:
Pay by Bank by Wallid is optimized for high-risk verticals like vape and CBD, with bank-level KYC and instant confirmation at checkout.
WalliD Pay by Bank is particularly effective for vape merchants, offering a fast and secure way to accept payments without the risk of being flagged by card processors. Unlike traditional credit card systems, it works through direct bank payments, making it inherently more compliant for high-risk industries.
Enabling Age Verification on Shopify
UK law requires all vape merchants to restrict access to buyers under the age of 18. This isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s legal. Shopify doesn’t offer age verification tools out of the box, so store owners must add them manually using third-party apps or custom development.
Recommended apps include:
Age Check Plus – Offers popups, age gates, and logs user interactions
Smart Age Verification – Automatically integrates with checkout and product pages
Age Gate – Lightweight and customizable for UK and EU regulations
Your age gate should:
Be visible on store entry
Block access until birthdate or ID is verified
Log and store user data for compliance reviews
If you’re using a payment method like Pay by Bank, you may be able to automate age verification at checkout via identity-based KYC checks.
Can You Dropship Vapes in the UK with Shopify?
Yes, but dropshipping vape products still carries legal responsibility. You cannot simply pass all liability to your supplier. As the merchant of record, you are responsible for ensuring age verification, product compliance, and refund processing.
When choosing a supplier:
Confirm they are registered and legally compliant under UK laws (especially TPD)
Ensure they use proper labeling and packaging
Avoid suppliers that ship from outside the UK or EU without proper customs declarations
You should also:
Build a transparent return and refund policy
Clearly state the age requirement on product and policy pages
Confirm product origin and safety documentation (especially for e-liquids)
Dropshipping can still be a profitable model—as long as you manage it with care.
Compliance Checklist (Use This Before You Launch)
All set! You're ready to launch your vape store.
Treat this checklist as your store’s foundation. If you skip any of these, you’re putting your business at risk.
Conclusion
Selling vapes on Shopify in the UK is entirely possible—but only if you build your store with compliance in mind from day one. The most common mistake new merchants make is treating vape like any other Shopify niche. It's not.
You need:
A high-risk payment method that won’t flag your store
Reliable age verification tools
Fully transparent policies and product descriptions
TPD-compliant dropshipping suppliers if you’re not warehousing
By using a payment method like Pay by Bank through WalliD, you not only meet compliance standards but also gain an edge in transaction security and customer trust.
This isn’t just about keeping your store live—it’s about building a business that can grow confidently, without fear of sudden shutdowns or legal issues.
Selling Vapes on Shopify?
WalliD helps vape merchants stay compliant and convert more. Enable Pay by Bank to avoid payment bans, reduce chargebacks, and simplify age verification.
This article explains how to legally sell vapes on Shopify in the UK, covering age verification, payment gateway options, dropshipping responsibilities, and compliance with Shopify's high-risk product rules.
FAQ
Can I use Shopify Payments to sell vapes in the UK?
No. Shopify Payments prohibits the sale of high-risk products like vapes, CBD, and tobacco-related items.
What are the legal requirements to sell vapes online in the UK?
You must meet TPD compliance, perform age verification, display proper labeling, and publish legal policies.
Which payment gateway should I use for vape sales on Shopify?
High-risk-friendly options include WalliD Pay by Bank, Viva Wallet, and Paytriot—all FCA-registered and vape-compliant.
Is dropshipping vapes legal on Shopify UK?
Yes, but you're responsible for compliance—including age checks, labeling, and supplier documentation.
Does Shopify offer built-in age verification?
No. You'll need to use third-party apps or integrate age verification during checkout manually.
What happens if Shopify flags my vape store?
Your payouts can be frozen and your store may be suspended. Avoid Shopify Payments and use approved providers.
Do I need a license to sell vapes online in the UK?
No license is needed, but your products must be MHRA-registered and compliant with local regulations.
How do I prove age verification was completed?
Verification apps usually log timestamped entries and can export proof of compliance for audits or disputes.
Expert Note:
Written by a Wallid Content Intern specializing in high-risk commerce and Shopify compliance. This article is part of Wallid’s ongoing series to support vape, CBD, and wellness merchants in building compliant, scalable storefronts on Shopify.