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UAE Vape Nicotine Limit: What UAE.S 5030:2018 Says
The UAE vape nicotine limit is 20 milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL), which is 2%. The UAE standard UAE.S 5030:2018 states in clause 4.2.4 that the nicotine content of the electronic liquid “shall be less than or equal to 20 milligrams per milliliter”. It also sets bilingual Arabic and English warning labels. This guide reports what the standard says. It is not legal advice, and it does not rule on whether any particular product meets the standard. Sale on this site is restricted to adults 21+.
What UAE.S 5030:2018 says about nicotine strength and labels
UAE.S 5030:2018 is a UAE technical standard for electronic vape products. Its scope covers electronic vape products that do not contain tobacco (and may or may not contain nicotine), their refill packages, and heated tobacco products. The scope text does not name disposable devices; the word “disposable” appears only in a definition of external cartridges (clause 3.8). So this page describes the standard’s wording and does not claim more than that. You can read the full text in the UAE.S 5030:2018 standard (MoIAT), hosted by the WHO.
| Clause | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 4.2.4 | Nicotine in the electronic liquid must be less than or equal to 20 mg/mL. |
| 5.2.8 | A nicotine health warning in Arabic and English: “Contains nicotine which causes severe addiction, increased heart rate and high blood pressure.” |
| 5.2.9.1 | The warning must cover more than 50% (excluding the frame) of the main display area of the package. Its form and wording follow Appendix 1 and cannot be altered (5.2.9.2). |
| 5.2.10 | An 18+ symbol of at least 1 cm x 1 cm, with a notice that sale and consumption by people under 18 is prohibited and that the product is not recommended for non-smokers. |
| 5.2.11 | A bilingual hazard statement for e-liquid: “This product may pose a health hazard when inhaled, swallowed or gets in contact with the skin.” |
Clause numbers and wording in the table were taken from the published PDF. Where this page paraphrases, the standard itself is the authority. Retailers and brands do not set these requirements; the standard does.
How 20 mg/mL converts to a percentage
Product titles often show strength as a percentage, while the standard uses mg/mL. The conversion is simple: 1% equals 10 mg/mL.
- 10 mg/mL = 1%
- 20 mg/mL = 2%, the ceiling in clause 4.2.4
- 50 mg/mL = 5%, which is above that ceiling
So “2%” and “20mg” describe the same strength, and a figure above 2% (20 mg/mL) is above the number stated in clause 4.2.4. For how strengths are shown across the range, see our disposable vape nicotine strength guide.
What strengths are listed on products sold in the UAE
The strengths shown in Vapor AE product titles include 20mg and 50mg. This page only reports what the standard says and what listings state. It does not say that any listed product is legal, compliant or approved, and it does not rule on any product’s status. Each listing shows the manufacturer’s stated strength. If you need to know whether a specific product meets UAE requirements, check the product’s own label against the standard and ask the relevant authority. You can browse our disposable vapes to see strengths as listed.
Vapor AE’s own rule: 21+
The standard’s age notice refers to 18 (clause 5.2.10). Vapor AE sells to adults aged 21 and over only, which is a stricter store rule. Products on this site contain nicotine, an addictive substance. For the wider picture on UAE rules, read Is Vaping Legal in Dubai and the UAE?
FAQ
What is the nicotine limit for vapes in the UAE?
Clause 4.2.4 of UAE.S 5030:2018 says nicotine in the electronic liquid must be less than or equal to 20 mg/mL, which is 2%.
Is 2% the same as 20mg?
Yes. 2% nicotine is 20 mg per millilitre, because 1% equals 10 mg/mL.
Does the limit apply to disposable vapes?
The standard’s scope covers electronic vape products and their refill packages and does not name disposables. We therefore do not state how it applies to any specific device. Read clause 1 in the standard, or ask the authority, for an answer on a given product.
What must a vape label show under the standard?
A bilingual nicotine health warning (5.2.8), covering more than 50% of the main display area (5.2.9.1), an 18+ symbol of at least 1 cm x 1 cm with an under-18 notice (5.2.10), and a bilingual hazard statement for e-liquid (5.2.11).
Why does Vapor AE sell to 21+ when the standard says 18?
Clause 5.2.10 refers to 18. Vapor AE applies its own minimum age of 21 to every order.
Where can I read the standard?
The full PDF is hosted by the WHO: UAE.S 5030:2018 standard (MoIAT).
Sources
- UAE.S 5030:2018 standard (MoIAT), WHO FCTC document library (clauses 1, 3.8, 4.2.4, 5.2.8 to 5.2.11)
- Is Vaping Legal in Dubai and the UAE? (Vapor AE)
Reviewed by Ismail Hossain, Product Specialist — Last reviewed: 31 October 2026. This page is not legal or medical advice; see our responsible vaping and health disclaimer.
Related guides
- vape delivery and 21+ age verification guide – how ordering and delivery work
- Vapor AE authenticity guarantee – how genuine, sealed stock is handled
- 20mg (2%) nicotine disposables – which models come at 20mg
- 50mg (5%) nicotine disposables – what 50mg means
- nicotine salt vs freebase – why disposables list nic salt
- nicotine strength for beginners – picking a first strength
- nicotine-free 0mg disposables – 0mg options in stock
Products on this site contain nicotine, an addictive substance. Sale restricted to adults 21+.