Vape Flavour Restrictions in Canada

Introduction

In Canada, rules around flavoured vaping products are shaped by both federal oversight and varying provincial and territorial regulations. While Health Canada provides a national framework through the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), provinces and territories establish specific requirements for how vaping products can be sold, displayed, and accessed — including controls on flavoured products.

This guide outlines the current landscape province by province, helping consumers and retailers understand their legal responsibilities.

Federal vs Provincial Regulation

At the federal level, Canada regulates manufacturing standards, labeling, advertising restrictions, and product safety requirements. However, each province and territory decides:

• Which flavours can be sold
• Where and how products are offered to consumers

This dual framework results in significant differences across Canada, requiring consumers and retailers to stay informed about local laws to remain compliant.

Nova Scotia: Complete Flavour Ban

• Status: Only tobacco-flavoured products permitted

Nova Scotia became the first province to fully restrict the sale of all flavoured vaping products except tobacco. This applies to all forms — including e-liquids, pre-filled pods, and disposables — in both retail stores and online sales shipped to Nova Scotia addresses.

Prince Edward Island: Comprehensive Ban

• Status: Only tobacco flavours allowed

PEI introduced similar restrictions shortly after Nova Scotia. Additionally, the province had already raised the minimum purchasing age to 21.

Quebec: Broad Restrictions

• Status: Only tobacco and unflavoured products allowed

Quebec enacted a province-wide ban covering all non-tobacco and unflavoured vape flavours, affecting both nicotine and non-nicotine products. Sales are restricted across retail and online channels. Online sales of vapes are prohibited in Quebec.

British Columbia: Controlled Sales via Specialty Stores

• Status: Flavours allowed in adult-only specialty stores

BC permits flavoured vaping products, but they can only be sold in licensed vape shops with age restrictions. Sales in convenience stores and gas stations are limited to tobacco flavours.

Ontario: No Flavour-Specific Restrictions in Specialty Vape Stores

• Status: Flavours sold only in specialty stores

Ontario restricts the sale of flavoured products (other than tobacco, mint, and menthol) to adult-only vape stores. Specialty vape stores can sell fruit, delight, or other flavours. General retailers cannot sell these products.

Alberta: No Provincial Flavour Ban

• Status: Flavours permitted

Alberta does not impose provincial restrictions on vape flavours. Retail sales remain broadly accessible, including through convenience stores and online channels.

Saskatchewan: No Flavour-Specific Restrictions in Specialty Vape Stores

• Status: Flavours permitted in specialty shops

While Saskatchewan allows flavoured vaping products, they are only sold in age-restricted specialty stores. General retailers focus on tobacco, mint, and menthol flavours.

Manitoba: No Current Ban

• Status: Flavours allowed

Manitoba has not implemented a specific ban on vape flavours. Retail sales are governed under general vaping and tobacco legislation.

New Brunswick: Flavour Ban

• Status: Only tobacco and unflavoured products allowed

New Brunswick restricts the sale of flavoured vaping products. Retailers can only sell tobacco-flavoured or unflavoured options.

Newfoundland and Labrador: No Ban

• Status: Flavours allowed

Currently, there are no provincial bans on flavoured vaping products. Retailers follow Health Canada’s federal guidelines along with age-verification and licensing requirements.

Yukon: No Flavour-Specific Restrictions

• Status: Flavours permitted

Yukon does not enforce flavour-specific bans. Sales are regulated under federal law, including age restrictions and product safety standards.

Northwest Territories & Nunavut: Strict Bans

• Status: Only tobacco flavours permitted

Both territories prohibit the sale of flavoured vaping products, limiting legal options to tobacco flavours only.

Territorial Summary Table: Vape Flavour Bans by Region

Conclusion: A Complex Regional Landscape

Canada's approach to flavoured vaping products highlights significant regional variation. Provinces like Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec enforce comprehensive bans, while others — such as Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador — maintain open access under federal guidelines.

For consumers, these differences affect product availability and purchasing channels. For retailers, they define operational compliance requirements and influence inventory planning.

Remaining up to date with local laws is essential for avoiding penalties and maintaining trust with customers.

FAQs: Vape Flavour Regulations in Canada

Q: Can I buy flavoured vape products anywhere in Canada?
A: Not everywhere. Availability depends on provincial and territorial laws. Some regions allow full access, while others permit only tobacco or unflavoured products.

Q: Are mint and menthol flavours restricted in all provinces?
A: Not necessarily. Some provinces allow mint and menthol, while others include them in broader bans.

Q: Can I order flavoured products online from another province?
A: No. Retailers cannot ship flavoured products to provinces where they are banned, even if they are legal in the originating province.

Q: What is the minimum legal age to purchase vaping products in Canada?
A: The legal age varies by province, generally between 18 and 21. PEI has the highest minimum age at 21.

Q: Are flavour bans permanent?
A: Flavour regulations can change. It’s important to check provincial government websites regularly for updates.

Q: Where can I verify the most current provincial rules?
A: Visit your provincial health department or consumer protection websites for official, up-to-date regulations.