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Tobacco and vapour products

Publication date: August 16, 2024
Understand the laws related to the sale, display, promotion and use of tobacco and vapour products.

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Vapour product definitions

A vapour product is a device that has an electronic or battery-powered heating element that can vaporize an e-substance. They are commonly known as vapes, vape pens or e-cigarettes.

An e-substance is a solid, liquid or gas that, when heated by the element in a vapour product, produces a vapour. They are commonly known as vape juice or vape liquid.

B.C. regulates the sale, display, promotion and use of both vapour products and e-substances.

Legislation and regulation

In British Columbia, the sale and use of tobacco and vapour products is regulated by many laws, regulations and policies, including:

Learn more about smoke and vape-free places.

For retailers and manufacturers

Learn more about tobacco and vapour product acts, regulation and policy.

Learn more about how legislation is enforced in B.C.

Requirements to sell tobacco and vapour products

Learn more about requirements for businesses to sell tobacco and vapour products:

To learn more about smoking prevention programs in your area, or to ask questions about enforcement of tobacco and vapour product control laws, contact your local health authority:

  • The BC Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible B.C. residents with the cost of quitting smoking, including prescription drugs and nicotine replacement therapy products
  • QuitNow provides 24-hour support for British Columbians who want to quit smoking and vaping. This free of charge service is available by telephone, on the web, or by text

HealthLink BC provides medically-approved information on more than 5,000 health topics, symptoms, medications, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Visit online or call 8-1-1 from anywhere in British Columbia to speak with a nurse any time of the day or night. You can also speak to a dietitian about nutrition or a pharmacist about your medication.