Can you vape in Italy?

The legal position for UK visitors

Italy regulates vaping under Decree Law n. 6/2016 implementing the EU TPD. Italian rules largely mirror UK rules for products. The Italian government's overall attitude to vaping is relatively positive and the country is not expected to go significantly beyond TPD minimums.

• Legal purchase age: 18, same as the UK.
• Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml, same as the UK.
• Maximum e-liquid bottle: 10ml for nicotine liquid, same as the UK.
• Maximum tank or pod: 2ml, same as the UK.
• Personal import: Bringing your own kit and supplies for personal use is fine.
• Disposable vapes: Still legal in Italy (as of mid-2026). No ban announced yet.
• Advertising: All advertising and promotion of vapes is completely banned.

The online sales ban

This is the most unusual Italian rule for UK visitors to know about. Since 2025, the online sale and cross-border distance sale of nicotine-containing vape products has been banned in Italy. This is significantly stricter than most other EU countries.

The ban applies to all online sales including from tax warehouses. The Italian government deliberately wanted to treat nicotine vape sales the same as cigarette sales, where retail must happen in person at an authorised outlet.

• What is banned: Online sales of e-liquid, prefilled pods and any nicotine-containing vape product.
• What is still allowed: Nicotine-free shortfills can still be sold online. Vape devices and hardware (without liquid) can be sold online.
• Where you can buy nicotine vapes: Physical tabacchi (tobacconists), licensed vape shops and licensed retailers.
• Cross-border: EU-based online retailers cannot ship nicotine vape products to Italian addresses. The ban applies to imports as well as domestic sales.
• Personal use exception: Bringing your own vape and supplies for personal use into Italy is fine.
• Tabacchi license: Italian tobacconists have a state-issued licence to sell tobacco and vape products. They are easily identified by the “T” sign outside.

The rule about pregnant women and minors

Italy has an unusual rule that does not exist in most other European countries. It is illegal to vape outdoors if pregnant women or minors are present in proximity to you. The fine can reach €275.

• Where it applies: Outdoor public spaces. The rule was originally created for smoking and extended to vaping.
• Who counts: Visibly pregnant women and anyone under 18. The presence test is whether they are within proximity (not legally defined in metres but generally understood as nearby).
• Common situations: Park benches, bus stops, restaurant terraces and other outdoor seating where families with children gather.
• Enforcement: Polizia Locale (local police) can issue fines on the spot. The exact amount varies but typically falls between €27.50 and €275.
• Practical implication: Be more aware of your surroundings than in the UK. Step away if a family with young children approaches.

Where you can and cannot vape in Italy

Italian e-liquid tax

Italy taxes e-liquid as a percentage of the equivalent cigarette tax rate, rather than a flat per-ml rate like Germany. The percentage has been rising in recent years.

• Current rate (2026): Around 17% of the equivalent cigarette tax. Applied to both nicotine and nicotine-free liquid.
• Practical effect: A 10ml bottle of nicotine salt costs around €6 to €8 in Italy. Cheaper than Germany, slightly above UK pre-duty prices.
• Tax stamps: All e-liquid sold by Italian retailers must carry a tax stamp since November 2024. Look for the stamp on packaging.
• Annual increases: The rate has been creeping up each year. By 2027 it may reach 18% or higher.
• Comparison: Italy is around the middle of EU vape prices. Cheaper than Germany and UK post-VPD, more expensive than Poland or eastern European countries.

Buying vapes in Italy

The Italian vape retail structure is dominated by tobacconists (tabacchi). The online sales ban for nicotine products makes the physical retail channel especially important.

1. Tabacchi (Italian tobacconists)

   The main route. Identified by a white “T” on a black background outside the shop. Sell cigarettes, tobacco, vape products and lottery tickets. Found on virtually every Italian high street.

2. Dedicated vape shops

   Larger Italian cities have specialist vape shops. Better selection of flavours and devices. Less common than tabacchi.

3. Pharmacies (Farmacia)

   Sell some NRT products including nicotine pouches, gum and patches. Not generally a source for vape kit.

4. Tourist shops in resort areas

   Beach resorts on the Amalfi coast, Lake Garda, Tuscany etc. often have shops selling vape products to international visitors. Range is limited.

5. Airports

   Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa and other airports have tobacconists in the terminal selling vape products.

6. Online (limited)

   Nicotine vape sales online are banned. Hardware and nicotine-free liquid can be bought online. Italian online vape retailers operate within these constraints.

The bottom line