Vaping rules in the UAE keep Changing. This guide explains what changed in 2025 and what still applies from earlier laws. You’ll learn how products are approved, how taxes work, what labels to check, where you can vape, and what to know when you travel.
Latest Updates: What Changed in 2025
| Area | The Update | Why it matters |
| Nicotine pouches | A new national standard for tobacco-free nicotine pouches became mandatory in 2025 (UAE.S FDS 5061:2024; Cabinet Resolution No. 2 of 2025). | Oral nicotine products now have clear safety and quality rules before they can be sold. |
| Product approvals | Product conformity certification (ECAS/EQM) continues under MoIAT, with updated service details and fees shown on the ministry portal in 2025. | Every vape product must pass compliance checks before sale; you can ask retailers for the certificate. |
| Taxes | Excise tax still applies to electronic smoking devices and liquids. FTA guidance pages were refreshed in 2025. | Prices include excise. If a price looks “too cheap,” it may not be compliant. |
| Travel | Emirates confirms no e-cigarette use on board any flight. Carry rules follow the dangerous goods guidance. | Pack devices in carry-on only and never vape on aircraft. |
The Core Rulebook
The backbone of UAE vaping regulation is UAE.S 5030: Electronic Nicotine Products. It sets design, safety, emissions, packaging, and labeling requirements. Products must pass a conformity assessment and be certified before they reach stores. Oversight today sits with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), which issues ECAS/EQM certificates via its portal and notified bodies.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) also regulates excise tax on electronic smoking devices and the liquids used in them. The FTA’s public guidance (updated in 2025) lists both categories as excise goods.
How Product Approval Works
Buying legally means buying approved products. Here’s what to look for on the box and in the listing:
- Conformity mark and a valid Certificate of Conformity (ask the retailer if you don’t see it).
- Bilingual warnings (Arabic + English) and clear nicotine statements.
- Ingredients, nicotine strength, bottle size, batch/lot, manufacture/expiry dates, and UAE importer details.
These items follow UAE.S 5030 and MoIAT’s conformity program.
Tip: If you buy online, view the back-of-pack photo. A missing or blurred conformity mark is a red flag.
Excise Tax and Pricing
The UAE imposes excise tax on electronic smoking devices and liquids used in them. Retail prices, therefore, include this tax (and VAT). Expect compliant products to be priced accordingly. If a product is much cheaper than the market, question its origin and approval status.
The FTA also runs a Digital Tax Stamps (DTS) scheme on certain tobacco products (for example, cigarettes and some heated or water-pipe tobacco). DTS is a track-and-trace tool used to fight illicit trade. Always check the FTA site for the latest scope and implementation phases.
New in 2025: Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches
In 2025, the UAE made a dedicated technical standard for tobacco-free nicotine pouches mandatory. The Cabinet confirmed this by Resolution No. (2) of 2025, making UAE.S FDS 5061:2024 the national rule. If you stock or buy pouches, ensure the product is ECAS-certified under MoIAT before sale.
Bottom line: oral nicotine pouches now face the same kind of structured compliance that e-cigarette liquids and devices already follow.
Where to Vape in the UAE: Legal and Restricted Areas
Public-place rules mirror smoke-free policies. Expect no vaping inside malls, government buildings, workplaces, taxis, most indoor venues, and public transport. Always look for designated smoking areas or ask staff. Local enforcement can vary by emirate and venue, but penalties apply for violations. For a practical consumer summary of smoke-free spaces and penalties, see recent national coverage.
Tip: Hotels and lounges sometimes offer smoking rooms or designated outdoor areas; always confirm on site.
Age Limits and Youth Protection
Under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, sales to under-18s are prohibited. This rule underpins tobacco policy nationwide and is widely applied to electronic nicotine products in packaging and retail practice. Always expect ID checks.
Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship
The Executive Regulations to the Tobacco Control Law (Cabinet Resolution No. 24 of 2013) restrict tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, with strict limits on how nicotine products can be marketed or associated with events. Brands and retailers should build marketing plans with these bans in mind.
Traveling With Vapes
- Do not vape on aircraft. Emirates states that all flights are non-smoking, including e-cigarettes.
- Pack devices and spare batteries in carry-on, not checked bags, in line with global aviation safety guidance for electronic cigarettes and lithium batteries.
- At airports, use only designated areas and follow local signage. Policies can change; check your airline and airport pages before flying.
Compliance Checklist
For buyers (retail or online):
- Look for the MoIAT conformity mark and ask for the certificate.
- Scan the label: Arabic/English warnings, nicotine strength, dates, batch, importer.
- Expect excise-inclusive pricing; avoid suspiciously cheap items.
- Choose the right liquid type for your device (salts for low-watt pods; freebase for higher power).
- Store correctly (cool, out of sunlight; caps tight).
For businesses:
- Register and certify each product under ECAS/EQM before import or sale.
- Register for excise, file on time, and keep records; monitor any changes in DTS scope.
- For nicotine pouches, meet the 2025 standard and obtain ECAS certification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying on price alone → Always check for the conformity mark and bilingual warnings.
- Assuming airport rules match home country → Confirm airline/airport policies before you fly.
- Using high-strength salts in sub-ohm kits → Match liquid to device to avoid harshness.
- Storing liquids in hot cars → Heat degrades nicotine and flavor; keep between ~10–25°C when possible.
- Relying on importer claims → Ask for the Certificate of Conformity or ECAS number.
FAQs
Q: Is vaping legal in the UAE?
A: Yes—approved electronic nicotine products can be sold and used, subject to product standards, labeling, and excise tax.
Q: What changed in 2025?
A: A dedicated, mandatory technical regulation now governs tobacco-free nicotine pouches, requiring ECAS certification before sale.
Q: What is the legal age to buy?
A: Sales of tobacco products to under-18s are prohibited under federal law; this standard underpins retail practice for electronic nicotine products as well.
Q: Can I vape on an Emirates flight?
A: No. E-cigarettes cannot be used onboard any Emirates flight.
Q: Do liquids and devices carry excise tax?
A: Yes. Both liquids used in electronic smoking devices and the devices themselves are excise goods under FTA guidance.
Conclusion: Stay compliant, buy smart
The UAE’s vaping framework is clear: get approved products, follow labeling and warnings, and respect excise and public-use rules. In 2025, a firm standard for nicotine pouches was added, while the core ECAS/EQM approval scheme and excise tax continue. If you buy from licensed sellers, check the conformity mark, and follow travel rules, you’ll stay on the right side of the law—and avoid costly mistakes. For deeper buying guidance, see our compliance checklist and product-label explainer above.
