With so many different vaping products available, it is common for people to ask whether large bottles of vape juice, such as 100ml shortfills, are actually legal in the UK. The short answer is yes, they are completely legal. The confusion comes from regulations introduced by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which set specific limits on nicotine-containing e liquids. Once you understand the rules and how shortfills work, it becomes clear why 100ml bottles are allowed and why they have become so popular.
The TPD rules explained
The TPD came into effect in 2016 and introduced a range of regulations for vaping products in the UK. One of the key rules was that any e liquid containing nicotine must not be sold in bottles larger than 10ml. This is why nicotine e liquids are only available in small 10ml bottles. The idea behind the law was to limit the risks if nicotine-containing liquid was accidentally consumed.
Other restrictions included a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg, requirements for childproof packaging, and strict rules on labelling and testing. These measures were designed to make vaping products safer and more transparent for consumers.
Why 100ml bottles are still legal
The important point is that the TPD only applies to nicotine-containing e liquid. 100ml bottles that are sold as nicotine-free are not restricted by the 10ml rule. These bottles are called shortfills. They are filled short of the top to leave room for nicotine shots, which the customer adds separately if they want nicotine in their juice.
For example, a 100ml shortfill will usually come in a 120ml bottle, leaving space for two 10ml nicotine shots. Once added and shaken, the final liquid contains nicotine, but because it was sold originally as nicotine-free, it complies with the law.
This system has become the standard way vapers buy large bottles of juice. It allows them to enjoy the value and convenience of 100ml bottles while staying within regulations. If you want to see the wide range of flavours available, take a look at our 100ml vape juice collection which offers something for every taste.
Benefits of 100ml shortfills
Beyond being legal, 100ml bottles come with several advantages that explain their popularity. They are much cheaper per ml than buying multiple small bottles, often working out at less than half the price. They also provide consistency of flavour across thousands of puffs, something you do not always get when switching between multiple smaller bottles.
Shortfills also give you flexibility with nicotine. You can vape them nicotine-free if you prefer, or add one or two shots to create your desired strength. For step by step guidance on how to mix them properly, our 100ml shortfill guide explains the process clearly.
Clearing up common misconceptions
Because the 10ml limit applies to nicotine e liquids, some people assume that all bottles larger than 10ml are illegal. This is not true. Only pre-mixed nicotine-containing bottles are capped at 10ml. Nicotine-free shortfills can be any size, with 50ml and 100ml being the most common.
Another misconception is that shortfills are a loophole that will eventually be banned. While they were created as a workaround to the TPD, they are fully compliant with the law and have been sold legally for years. The system benefits both manufacturers and consumers, making them an established part of the UK vaping market.
Final thoughts
Yes, 100ml vape juices are legal in the UK as long as they are sold as nicotine-free shortfills. The TPD rules only restrict nicotine-containing e liquids to 10ml bottles. Shortfills allow vapers to enjoy larger bottles by adding nicotine shots themselves, making them both legal and practical.
Not only do they comply with the law, but they also offer better value, more flavour variety, and greater flexibility with nicotine strength. For anyone who vapes regularly, 100ml bottles remain the most cost-effective and convenient option.
For the origin story behind large bottles, read Why 100ml Shortfills Became the TPD Loophole Vapers Love. To prepare for future pricing on legal stock, see What the 2026 UK Vape Tax Means for 100ml Vape Juice Prices.