Age Verification: Why and How We Check Your Age

At VapeGrape, we are fully committed to legal, responsible retailing. In the UK, it is a strict criminal offence to sell vapes, e-liquids, or any nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18.

To comply with the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, we do not use simple “tick-boxes” to verify age. Instead, we use secure, industry-leading digital identity technology to ensure all our customers are adults.

Here is exactly how our age verification process works, what to expect at checkout, and how your data is protected.

How It Works: The 3-Step Process

Step 1: The Automated Checkout Check

When you enter your details at checkout to place your first order, our secure age verification partner—[Insert Provider Name, e.g., 1account / VerifyMyAge / Yoti]—automatically cross-references your name, current address, and date of birth against UK public records.

• What we look at: The electoral roll, UK credit registries, or mobile network data.

   

• The result: Over 85% of our UK customers are successfully verified in less than 2 seconds without having to do anything at all.

Step 2: Manual Backup (If Step 1 Fails)

If you have recently moved house, are not registered on the electoral roll, or have a credit file layout that doesn’t match perfectly, the automated check might fail. Don’t worry—this is very common. If this happens, a secure window will pop up asking you to verify manually. You can choose to:

1. Upload a ID photo: Take a quick, clear photo of your UK Driver’s License, Passport, or CitizenCard (with the PASS logo).

2. Facial Estimation: Use your phone’s camera to take a brief selfie. The system uses secure facial estimation software to confirm you are an adult. (Note: This does not match your face to a database; it simply estimates your age from features and immediately deletes the image).

    

Step 3: Age-Verified Delivery

To ensure a completely watertight legal process, our UK delivery couriers operate a strict Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, the courier will ask to see a valid photo ID at your doorstep before handing over the package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will this affect my credit rating?

Absolutely not. The check performed at checkout is what is known as a “soft” identity search. It leaves a footprint on your credit file stating that an identity and age check took place, but it has a zero impact on your credit score and cannot be seen by lenders.

Is my data safe and private?

Yes. Your privacy is protected by law under UK GDPR. Our verification partner is a highly secure, encryption-backed provider. They do not store your passport or driving license images. Once your age is successfully confirmed, any documents or selfies uploaded are immediately and permanently purged from their systems. We never see your documents; we only receive an encrypted “Pass” or “Fail” notification.

What happens if I refuse to verify my age?

If you choose not to complete the verification process, or if the ID provided is invalid or belongs to a minor, we cannot legally fulfill your order. Your order will be automatically cancelled, and any temporary funds reserved on your payment card will be released back to your bank within 24–48 hours.

Do I have to do this every time I buy something?

No! Once your account has been successfully verified, our system remembers your status. As long as you are logged into the same customer account, your future orders will clear checkout instantly.

A Note on Proxy Purchasing: It is illegal for an adult to buy vape products on behalf of a minor under UK law. If we suspect proxy purchasing or fraudulent use of adult identity details, we will cancel the order immediately and report the details to local Trading Standards.

By accessing this Website and/or placing an order, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a purchase. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use or access this Website.

1. Legal Age Restriction & Verification (Strict 18+ Only)

1.1 The Law: It is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom to sell e-cigarettes, e-liquids, or any nicotine/vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. We operate a strict age verification policy.

1.2 Age Verification Process: By placing an order, you explicitly consent to your age being verified via our third-party age verification partner, 1account. This system performs a “soft” identity check against public records (such as the UK electoral roll). This check will appear on your credit file as an identity check but will not impact your credit score.

1.3 Manual Verification: If the automated check fails, we reserve the right to hold your order and request valid photo identification (such as a UK driving licence or passport) along with a matching photograph/selfie. If this evidence is not provided within 72 hours, your order will be cancelled and fully refunded.

1.4 Proxy Purchasing: Purchasing products on behalf of a minor (proxy purchasing) is illegal in the UK. If we suspect an order is intended for a minor, we reserve the right to cancel the order immediately and report the activity to Trading Standards.

2. Retail Distribution & Third-Party Product Disclaimer

2.1 Retailer Status: VapeGrape acts strictly as a retail distributor of third-party vaping brands and hardware. We do not manufacture e-liquids, nor do we design or manufacture hardware, batteries, or electronic components.

2.2 Product Information: All product images, specifications, ingredients, and descriptions are provided directly by the manufacturers or UK wholesale distributors. While we strive for absolute accuracy, we are not liable for typographical errors, minor aesthetic changes, or manufacturing modifications made to the packaging or device specifications by the brand.

2.3 Batch and Flavour Variations: E-liquids contain ingredients that may naturally vary slightly in colour or flavour profile between manufacturer batches. Natural nicotine oxidation over time can also darken liquids. These variations do not constitute a product defect.

3. Product Compliance & Legal Inventory

3.1 UK Regulatory Compliance: We guarantee that all products distributed on our Website comply fully with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) notification schemes. This includes strict limits of a maximum 2ml tank capacity and a maximum 20mg/ml nicotine strength.

3.2 Prohibited Single-Use Vapes: In accordance with the UK single-use vape ban, this Website strictly distributes rechargeable, refillable vape kits and pre-filled, swappable pod hardware. We do not stock or distribute illegal single-use disposable vapes.

4. Pricing, VAT, and Vaping Products Duty (VPD)

4.1 VAT: All prices listed on our Website are displayed in Great British Pounds (GBP) and are inclusive of UK Value Added Tax (VAT) at the standard current rate of 20%.

4.2 Excise Duty Clause: All e-liquid products sold via our platform (including pre-filled pods, shortfills, and nicotine shots) are subject to the UK Vaping Products Duty (VPD).

4.3 Price Adjustments: We reserve the right to adjust our retail pricing at any time without prior notice to reflect updates to UK excise duty frameworks, manufacturer price hikes, or wholesale market fluctuations.

5. Delivery, Shipping, and UK Delivery Restrictions

5.1 UK Only: We ship exclusively to addresses within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). We do not ship internationally.

5.2 Age-Verified Delivery: Where legally required or requested by our couriers, orders may require an adult signature upon delivery. Couriers reserve the right to request proof of age (ID) at the doorstep. If delivery is failed due to a lack of valid ID, the parcel will be returned to us, and shipping costs will not be refunded.

6. Cancellations, Returns, and Hygiene Exemptions

6.1 Consumer Rights Act 2015: Your purchase is protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations. You have a legal right to a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind on unsealed items.

6.2 Hygiene and Safety Exemptions:

Important Note: Due to health protection and hygiene reasons, e-liquids, pre-filled pods, replacement coils, tanks, mouthpieces, and drip tips are strictly exempt from returns once the outer cellophane wrapping, box security seal, or internal blister pack has been opened or broken.

6.3 Faulty Goods: Hardware items (such as vape mods, external battery chargers, and pod devices) that develop a technical or manufacturing defect within 30 days of receipt can be returned to us for a full refund, repair, or replacement.

6.4 User Error and Misuse: This warranty does not cover faults caused by user error, accidental damage, dropping, leaking e-liquid into the internal electronics, or using unapproved charging cables.

7. Battery Safety Warning & Liability

7.1 User Responsibility: External lithium-ion batteries (e.g., 18650, 21700 cells) used in high-powered vape hardware carry an inherent risk of thermal runaway if mistreated. By purchasing hardware requiring these cells, you agree that you understand proper battery safety.

7.2 Exclusion of Liability: As a distributor, VapeGrape is not liable for personal injury, property damage, or fire caused by the misuse, overcharging, physical damage, or altered usage of batteries or charging devices purchased from our storefront.

8. Environmental Compliance (WEEE Take-Back Scheme)

8.1 Our Obligations: In accordance with the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, we provide a free retail take-back scheme for old vape hardware and lithium-ion batteries on a like-for-like basis.

8.2 How to Recycle: When you purchase a new vape device or components from us, you are entitled to return your equivalent old vape kit to us for safe, environmentally sound recycling. Please contact Barzan.valadi@yahoo.co.uk to receive details on our mail-in recycling program or localized drop-off partners.

9. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom.