UK Refillable Vape Hardware Glossary: Pod, Cartridge, Tank, Refill Container and Kit

Answer first

In UK trade usage, a pod, cartridge and tank are e-liquid-holding parts or assemblies, while a refill container is the vessel that supplies e-liquid. A kit is a pack configuration, not simply a device name. The distinctions matter because reusable-design evidence, notification, presentation and recycling duties can attach differently.

Key Takeaways

• Pod is a trade description, not a separate TRPR category; its function and configuration matter.
• Cartridge and tank appear in the statutory electronic-cigarette definition.
• A refill container holds nicotine-containing liquid for refilling; presentation limits apply within TRPR scope.
• A kit is a pack of components; their identity and branding matter for notification.

The five terms: use the function, not just the label

Pod. In trade language, a pod is a compact liquid-holding component that fits a device. It may be pre-filled or designed to be filled. Government guidance uses “pod” alongside chamber, capsule, cartridge and tank as examples of refillable liquid-holding containers, and recognises replacement pre-filled pods as a refill route. Assess its function, nicotine-containing-liquid status and coil configuration rather than relying on the name. See what makes a vape reusable in the UK.

Cartridge. A cartridge is expressly named in the statutory definition of an electronic cigarette. It is generally a replaceable liquid-containing component, but its format varies. The MHRA groups “refill container/cartridge containing e-liquid” together for notification purposes, while separately recognising an individual e-cigarette part capable of containing e-liquid. Record whether it is supplied filled, empty, with a coil or as part of a device. Read the MHRA’s GB product-type guidance with this guide to MHRA notification and private-label products.

Tank. A tank is the liquid reservoir of a refillable device. It may be integral or removable. TRPR names a tank as an electronic-cigarette component, and the MHRA states that tanks sold to end consumers are limited to 2ml. A changed capacity or replacement component may affect the assessment.

Refill container. TRPR defines this as a receptacle containing nicotine-containing liquid for refilling an electronic cigarette. The MHRA states a maximum sale volume of 10ml for nicotine-containing e-liquid in one container; the product or packaging must be child-resistant and tamper evident. It is not the tank, pod or cartridge that receives the liquid. See refill container versus cartridge.

Kit. A kit describes the pack, not one hardware component. MHRA guidance defines it as a pack containing more than one different e-cigarette device and/or more than one different refill container or cartridge. A kit of already notified, clearly branded components may not require a separate notification in the circumstances set out by MHRA; the components, presentation and supply market still require review.

Reusable hardware: the terms must map to the design

A reusable-vape check starts with design and replacement availability, not the marketing name. Since 1 June 2025, businesses cannot sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. Official guidance says a reusable vape needs a rechargeable battery, a refillable container and, if it has a coil, a user-removable and replaceable coil. Refilling can mean filling a tank or cartridge, or inserting pre-filled pods; refills should be separately available.

For a “pod kit”, record the refill route, compatible refill item and, where relevant, coil replacement method. A coil can be in a removable, replaceable pod or cartridge if that replacement item is separately available. Check the configuration against the Defra reusable-vape guidance.

Notification and presentation: distinguish a record from a conclusion

For nicotine-containing products in scope, match the device, liquid-holding component and pack format to the MHRA record before supply. Part 6 of TRPR requires a producer supplying, or intending to supply, electronic cigarettes or refill containers to notify the Secretary of State. MHRA defines a producer as a manufacturer, importer or business rebranding a product as its own; an ordinary retailer does not notify merely by selling it.

A notification includes components and, where relevant, the opening and refill mechanism. MHRA guidance says separately sold tanks, atomisers and cartridges that are essential elements capable of containing nicotine may be in scope. Retain a clear component-to-pack mapping in supplier records.

Publication on an MHRA notified-products list is not a blanket finding that every aspect is compliant. MHRA says publication does not guarantee UK labelling compliance, and retailers remain responsible for what they supply. Use a presentation review for the final pack; this UK vape packaging and labelling resource helps organise the questions. Great Britain and Northern Ireland notification arrangements differ, so confirm the intended market.

Trade checklist: record what actually enters supply

The practical control is a traceable description of each item and pack, not a broad family name. This checklist does not replace product-specific assessment.

Vapes are electrical items covered by the WEEE Regulations. Businesses selling vapes must offer takeback for returned vapes and parts.

FAQ

Is a pod always a cartridge? No. The words can overlap in commerce, but “pod” is not its own statutory TRPR category. Describe how it holds liquid, whether it is filled or refillable, whether it contains a coil and how it is replaced.

Can a kit be treated as one item for every regulatory purpose? No. A kit is a pack format. In the MHRA circumstances, a kit of already notified, clearly branded components may not need a separate notification, but components, presentation and market still need assessment.

Does being listed by the MHRA settle every compliance question? No. MHRA says publication does not guarantee compliance with UK labelling requirements. Check the list, pack information and other duties for the exact product and market.

Official sources

• MHRA: Chapter 2 – product type guidance – Great Britain
• UK legislation: Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016
• MHRA: E-cigarettes – regulations for consumer products
• Defra: Single-use vapes ban – information for businesses
• OPSS and Defra: WEEE regulations

General-information disclaimer: This article is general UK trade information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Requirements can depend on the product, its composition, the pack and the market of supply. Refer to current official guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice for a specific arrangement.

For factual product-information discussions about a proposed UK trade requirement, submit the hardware format, component description and intended market through Aerova’s trade enquiry form.