The US and UK have taken dramatically different approaches to flavored ENDS regulation:
| Policy Dimension | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor regulation | Two-tier PMTA risk framework (March 2026 draft). No automatic flavor ban. 48 authorized products, 2 non-tob flavored. | Consultation on restricting flavor descriptors to single recognized flavors (e.g., "Apple"). Names referencing confectionery, desserts, or alcohol to be banned. |
| Disposable vapes | No federal ban. Unauthorized disposables subject to enforcement but widely available through gray market. | Banned since June 1, 2025. All vapes must be rechargeable and refillable. |
| Packaging | No federal packaging restrictions beyond PMTA-related marketing limitations. | Proposed plain white packaging, limited imagery/branding, device colors restricted to white, black, or grey. |
| Taxation | No federal vape tax. State-level taxes vary widely. | Vaping Products Duty scheduled for October 1, 2026, with a one-off tobacco duty increase. |
| Age-gating technology | DAR technology (Glas G2) accepted as youth-prevention pathway for PMTA authorization. | No DAR equivalent. Focus on retail enforcement and packaging restrictions. |
| Youth prevention | PMTA process + DAR technology + marketing restrictions + enforcement priorities | MHRA notification + packaging rules + disposable ban + retail licensing |
For our full UK vs US comparison, see our complete state flavor ban guide which includes international regulatory comparisons.
