How to Start Selling Vapes in Ireland (Complete Retailer Guide)

Selling vapes in Ireland can be a highly profitable addition to your retail offering, particularly for convenience stores, forecourts and hospitality venues. Demand remains strong, driven by customers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco products, but the category is becoming more regulated and structured.

For retailers, success comes from understanding both compliance and commercial strategy. Getting the basics right from the start ensures you can sell confidently, avoid risk and build a reliable revenue stream.

Overview of the Vape Market in Ireland

The Irish vape market continues to perform well, with consistent demand across multiple retail environments. Disposable vapes have historically driven high-volume sales, while refillable systems and pod kits are becoming increasingly important as the market evolves.

At the same time, regulation is tightening. Retailers need to be more mindful of compliance, product sourcing and future-proofing their range as legislation develops, particularly around single-use products.

Is It Legal to Sell Vapes in Ireland?

Yes, it is legal to sell vapes in Ireland, but strict rules apply under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).

Retailers must ensure:

• Sales are restricted to customers aged 18 and over
• Products meet nicotine limits of up to 20mg/ml
• Tank and pod sizes do not exceed 2ml for nicotine-containing products
• Packaging includes correct health warnings and information
• Advertising and promotion follow strict guidelines

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or enforcement action, making it essential to understand the requirements from the outset.

Do You Need a Vape Licence in Ireland?

There is no standalone ‘vape licence’ in Ireland in the traditional sense. However, retailers still need to meet certain obligations before selling vape products.

This includes registering as a tobacco retailer if selling related products and ensuring all vape products are TPD-compliant and properly notified. You should also ensure you’re sourcing stock from reputable, compliant wholesalers.

Working with an established and trusted supplier like Newvend is one of the simplest ways to ensure your products meet all legal requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Selling Vapes

Starting a vape offering does not need to be complicated, but it does require a structured approach.

1. Register Your Business and Ensure Compliance

Before selling any vape products, confirm your business is properly registered and aligned with Irish retail regulations. This includes age verification processes and understanding your legal responsibilities under TPD.

2. Source from a Trusted Wholesale Distributor

Choosing the right supplier is critical. A reliable wholesaler ensures consistent stock availability, compliant products and access to leading brands that customers recognise.

3. Choose the Right Product Mix

A balanced product range should include both entry-level options and longer-term solutions. This helps capture immediate sales while building repeat business over time.

4. Set Up In-Store Display and Age Verification

Position vape products clearly but responsibly. Many retailers place them behind the counter or near tills to manage access and encourage impulse purchases, while maintaining strict age verification procedures.

5. Train Staff on Responsible Selling

Staff should understand both compliance requirements and product basics. This allows them to check age confidently, recommend suitable products and answer common customer questions.

What Products Should You Stock?

Your product selection will directly impact both compliance and profitability. A well-rounded range should cover different customer needs while preparing for future regulatory changes.

Starter Kits

Starter kits are a key future-proof category, especially as the market begins to move away from disposables. Devices such as Vaporesso XROS and Oxva Xlim are easy to use and ideal for customers transitioning to reusable systems.

These products not only generate an initial sale but also lead to ongoing purchases of pods and e-liquids.

Entry-Level Disposable-Style Options

Brands like Elf Bar and Lost Mary remain popular for their simplicity and strong flavour profiles. However, retailers should be aware of the ongoing shift towards reusable or rechargeable alternatives that mimic disposable convenience.

Introducing these options early can help ease customers into new product types as regulations evolve.

Nicotine Salts

Nicotine salts such as ElfLiq and MaryLiq are a major driver of repeat sales. While margins per unit may be lower than disposables, they create consistent, long-term revenue as customers return regularly to restock.

This makes them an essential part of any vape offering.

Important Industry Update: Disposable Vape Ban

Ireland is moving ahead with plans to prohibit the retail sale of disposable vapes. While implementation timelines may vary, the direction of travel is clear: retailers should expect growing demand for reusable and refillable products as the market adapts to regulatory change.

Retailers can prepare by:

• Reducing reliance on single-use products
• Introducing reusable, disposable-style kits
• Educating customers on alternative options
• Expanding pod system and e-liquid ranges

Taking a proactive approach can help minimise disruption and position your business for long-term success.

Selling Vapes Legally in Ireland

Compliance remains a core part of selling vapes successfully. Retailers must ensure all products meet TPD standards, including:

• Maximum 2ml tank or pod capacity for nicotine products
• Nicotine strength capped at 20mg/ml
• Proper labelling and health warnings
• Child-resistant packaging and safety features

It is also important to avoid counterfeit or non-compliant imports, which can pose legal and reputational risks.

Maximising Sales from Day One

Once your vape offering is in place, small adjustments can make a big difference to performance.

• Offer bundle deals, such as a device paired with nicotine salts
• Position products near tills to encourage impulse purchases
• Train staff to guide customers transitioning from smoking
• Keep popular brands in stock to avoid missed sales opportunities

A combination of accessibility, education and availability helps drive both first-time and repeat purchases.

Building a Profitable Vape Offering with the Right Partner

Starting to sell vapes in Ireland is as much about choosing the right support as it is about choosing the right products. With increasing regulation and shifting consumer trends, retailers need a supplier that offers both reliability and insight.

Newvend provides Irish retailers with fully TPD-compliant vape products across leading brands, including Vaporesso, Oxva, Elf Bar, Lost Mary, ElfLiq and MaryLiq. Beyond supply, Newvend supports businesses with merchandising guidance, shop fitting, vending solutions and ongoing servicing, helping retailers build and maintain a high-performing vape category.

By combining compliant products with practical support and consistent availability, Newvend helps retailers not only get started, but continue to grow in a changing market.