Jessica Tyson
09/04/2025 • 5 min read
Vaping has evolved from a simple concept into a regulated, widely used alternative to smoking. However, many people are unaware of vaping’s history and its current UK legal framework.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of vaping, its technological advancements, and how UK TPD regulations affect vapers today.
Vaping as a concept dates back to 1963, when Herbert A. Gilbert patented the first smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette. His invention aimed to heat flavoured air instead of burning tobacco, but it never reached the market due to lack of commercial interest and technological limitations.
The modern e-cigarette was developed in 2003 by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and ex-smoker. Motivated by his father’s struggle with smoking-related illnesses, Hon Lik created a battery-powered device that used a heating element to vaporize a nicotine solution, eliminating the need for combustion.
By 2006, e-cigarettes were introduced to Europe and the United States. Named cigalikes, early devices were designed to look like traditional cigarettes but had limited battery life and vapour production.
Between 2010 and 2020, the vaping industry saw major technological advancements, including:
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is a set of UK and EU regulations designed to standardise and regulate vaping products. In the UK, TPD rules are enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
At FREESMO, all vape products:
Great Alternatives to Disposable Vapes:
The future of vaping will likely focus on:
Vaping has come a long way from its early designs to today’s advanced, regulated devices. With ongoing technological innovation and regulatory oversight, vaping remains a widely used alternative to smoking, helping many users transition away from tobacco.
