Vapes are battery-operated devices that mimic the act of regular smoking by heating an e-liquid or nicotine salts to generate a nicotine-containing aerosol, which users inhale and exhale as vapour. They are also called ‘e-cigs’, ‘e-cigarettes’, ‘vape pens’, ‘vapourisers’, ‘mods’, or ‘Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems’ (ENDS).

The main difference between vapes and regular cigarettes is the absence of tobacco leaves in the former. Vaping devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some look like traditional tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars and pipes, while others resemble nondescript everyday items like USB flash drives, pens and watches.

Note: This should not be confused with heated tobacco products (HTP), also known as Heat-Not-Burn products, which consist of a small tobacco stick that is heated electronically, rather than burned.