If you have come across the term HRI on a vape bottle or pod packaging and are unsure what it means, you are not alone. It is a term that pops up across vape products sold in the UK, but it is not always clearly explained.
In this guide, we’ll break down what HRI stands for, how it’s used in vaping, and why you might see it when buying legal nicotine products in the UK.
What does HRI stand for?
HRI stands for Health Research Institute. In the context of vaping, however, it is often misinterpreted. In most cases, the letters HRI printed on vape labels actually refer to a brand code or identifier used for regulatory purposes, not a direct statement about the health or quality of the product.
In other words, if you see "HRI" on your vape pod or refill bottle, it is likely part of a product registration code submitted to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) under UK law.
Why is HRI on vape products?
In the UK, all vape products containing nicotine must be registered with the MHRA before they are legally sold. This ensures the product complies with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), which cover:
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Maximum nicotine strength
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Bottle and pod sizes
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Ingredient safety
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Labelling and packaging rules
When manufacturers register a product, they are given a reference code. Sometimes this code appears on the packaging, and in some cases, the letters HRI are part of that code. It is not something you need to worry about, but it does indicate the product has been logged for sale under UK regulation.
Is HRI a health rating?
No, it is not a rating, a quality stamp or a review score. Some people mistakenly believe HRI is a mark of health research approval or certification, but that is not the case. Vape products do not carry ratings like food hygiene scores or medical product approvals.
Seeing HRI on your vape means the manufacturer has submitted the product to the correct UK authorities, but it is not a guarantee of safety or medical endorsement.
Does every vape have HRI on the packaging?
Not always. Some brands include the HRI or submission reference as part of their compliance labelling, while others do not print it directly on the product. As long as the vape product is sold legally in the UK and follows all TRPR rules, it does not need to display this code visibly to the consumer.
If you are buying your vape from a trusted UK retailer, the presence or absence of the HRI code on the label should not be a concern.
How do I know if a vape is MHRA registered?
You can check if a vape product is MHRA compliant by:
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Buying only from UK retailers who list TPD-compliant products
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Looking for a 20mg/ml nicotine cap on the label
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Ensuring bottle size does not exceed 10ml for nicotine-containing liquids
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Looking up the brand and product on the MHRA Submissions website (if you want to go in-depth)
Products like those in the Lost Mary BM6000 collection are made for the UK market and follow the legal rules on nicotine strength, labelling and size. You will often see compliance info printed on the box, including batch numbers and submission codes like HRI.
Should I worry about HRI?
No. For everyday vapers, HRI is not something you need to think about. It does not affect how the vape works or how strong the liquid is. It is simply part of the back-end product registration process that helps keep UK products traceable and regulated.
If you are using legal, TPD-compliant vape kits and liquids from recognised brands and shops, you are already following the safest path.
Want more help understanding vape ingredients and labelling?
Our health guides cover everything from nicotine strength and dry mouth to side effects, legal labelling and how vape ingredients affect your body. They are written for UK vapers who want honest and practical information.
Final thoughts
HRI on vape products is not a health claim or warning. It is usually a registration or compliance reference related to MHRA submissions under UK vape laws. If you see it on your vape pod or liquid, it simply means the product has been filed for legal sale and meets certain standards.
There is no need to worry or read into it too much. Stick with reputable brands, follow the guidelines on nicotine strength and always buy from trusted UK shops or websites. That is the best way to vape confidently and safely.
If you’re reading packaging labels, you may also want to check how much nicotine is in a vape.
For how these ingredients affect your experience, why does vaping make me feel sick covers common responses.