UK incl. Northern Ireland · Trade only
TRPR Compliance
Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Scope: UK incl. Northern Ireland
VB Distribution, a trading name of VB GLOBAL BRANDS LTD, imports and distributes vaping products for the UK trade. We maintain procedures designed so that products we supply meet the applicable regulatory, product safety, customs and excise requirements.
Our due diligence combines product testing, MHRA notification checks, technical and packaging reviews, supply-chain documentation and relevant HMRC authorisations.
Scope: This page applies to supply in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
1. Product testing and technical documentation
Products undergo testing in China, then further testing by UK laboratories before they are placed on the UK market.
We review the relevant laboratory reports and manufacturer documentation against the product specifications and applicable requirements. Supporting testing documentation is retained in our product compliance records.
2. MHRA notification checks
For products that require notification, we check the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published product lists to confirm that the required notifications are in place for the intended market.
These checks form part of our wider compliance assessment. Publication of a notification does not mean the MHRA has approved or tested the product, and it does not replace our responsibility to assess compliance with the applicable product rules.
Notification (ECID) references are available to trade customers on request.
3. Product specifications and safety (TRPR 2016)
We review product specifications against the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (as amended) and other relevant product safety legislation.
Depending on the product, reviews cover nicotine concentration, tank or cartridge capacity, nicotine-containing refill container volumes, ingredients, leakage protection, tamper-evident features and other applicable technical requirements.
Under TRPR 2016, nicotine-containing products placed on the UK market must not exceed:
20 mg/mL | Nicotine strength |
2 mL | Tanks, pods and cartridges |
10 mL | Refill containers |
Assessment takes account of the particular product and the market it is intended for.
4. Packaging and labelling reviews
We review packaging, labelling and accompanying information against the requirements for the product and intended market.
Reviews include health warnings, ingredient information, nicotine information, batch identification, producer or importer details, instructions and other mandatory consumer information where required.
Packaging and labelling are assessed alongside product specifications and supporting documentation as part of our market-entry review.
5. Compliance advice and regulatory engagement
We obtain external compliance advice to support our interpretation and application of relevant UK requirements.
That advice forms part of our product review and market-entry procedures, alongside testing, notification and documentary checks. Responsibility for ensuring that the products we import and distribute comply with applicable requirements remains with our business.
6. Restrictions on single-use vapes
We review the products we supply against the UK prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes, which took effect on 1 June 2025.
Our assessment considers the requirements for reusable products, including rechargeability, refillability and the availability of replacement items where required.
7. Product traceability and record retention
We retain relevant supplier records, purchase invoices, product specifications, laboratory reports and regulatory records to support product traceability and to evidence our compliance checks.
These documents support identification of the products supplied, their source, and the information reviewed as part of our due diligence.
8. Vaping Products Duty and duty stamps
We hold HMRC approval under the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme and import products bearing UK vaping duty stamps where required.
Our procedures address Vaping Products Duty and stamping requirements introduced from 1 October 2026, including those that apply to our import arrangements and the release of products onto the UK market.
We retain the relevant approval and supporting documentation.
For a plain-English summary for retailers, see UK Vaping Products Duty.
9. HMRC customs warehouse authorisation
We hold HMRC authorisation to operate a customs warehouse. This supports the management of imported goods under the applicable customs procedures and the conditions of our authorisation.
Customs warehouse authorisation is managed separately from the approvals and obligations that relate to Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme.
Supporting evidence
Together, these procedures support our assessment that products are appropriately tested, reviewed and documented before supply to UK trade customers.
10. Health and warnings
Nicotine vaping products are intended for adult smokers and adult vapers only. They are not risk-free.
NICOTINE HEALTH WARNING
This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.
Who should not use these products
- For adults aged 18 and over only.
- Not recommended for non-smokers.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safe storage and handling
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Seek medical advice if swallowed. Where possible, have the pack or leaflet to hand.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and storage in the leaflet supplied with the product.
On-pack warnings and leaflet
Under TRPR 2016, nicotine-containing products must carry the nicotine health warning on the unit packet and any outer packaging, and include a leaflet covering instructions for use and storage, warnings for specific risk groups, possible adverse effects, addictiveness and toxicity, and producer or importer contact details. We check this as part of our packaging and labelling reviews (see section 4).
Reporting side effects
Suspected side effects or safety concerns with a nicotine vaping product can be reported to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.
Age of sale — retailer reminder
It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18, or to buy them on behalf of someone under 18. Retailers are responsible for complying with age-of-sale, advertising, display and promotion laws when they resell. See our Trade Terms.
VB Distribution is a trading name of VB GLOBAL BRANDS LTD (formerly VAPES-BARS LTD), registered in England and Wales, company no. 13540609. Trade customers only. We do not sell to consumers or anyone under 18.