Shortfills and nic shots: full UK guide

Six aspects of UK shortfills and nic shots in 2026.

Why shortfills exist

UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) implemented EU TPD rules and were retained post-Brexit. Key restrictions: nicotine-containing e-liquid limited to 10ml bottles maximum; nicotine strength limited to 20mg/ml maximum; tank capacity limited to 2ml maximum. Industry response: e-liquid manufacturers created shortfills (nicotine-free, larger bottles) and separate nic shots (10ml, 18-20mg). The customer mixes them at home. This bypasses the 10ml restriction because the shortfill itself contains zero nicotine when sold. Practical benefits: cheaper per ml than 10ml nicotine bottles; flavour development not constrained by 10ml bottle limits; vapers can adjust strength to preference. UK 2026 status: shortfills remain legal and widely sold; UK Vape Tax from 1 October 2026 applies to both shortfills and nic shots at £2.20 per 10ml.

UK shortfill sizes

Common UK shortfill sizes in 2026. 50ml shortfill in 60ml bottle: most common UK size; one 10ml nic shot fills the gap exactly to make 60ml of 3mg/ml e-liquid. 100ml shortfill in 120ml bottle: also very common; two 10ml nic shots fill to make 120ml of 3mg/ml. 25ml shortfill in 30ml bottle: less common; one half nic shot or full nic shot for higher strength. 75ml shortfill in 90ml bottle: occasional; less standard sizing. 200ml shortfill in 240ml bottle: bulk option; four 10ml nic shots for 3mg/ml; popular with heavy DTL vapers. Brand variations: some brands use 50ml in 65ml bottle for slightly higher final strength when one shot added. UK retailers (Vape Superstore, Electric Tobacconist, MisterVape, Evapo, Vape Villa) stock all common sizes. Mixing: bottle size deliberately matches nic shot volume; the gap is the nic shot space. Adding more nic shots than the bottle holds requires decanting some shortfill to make room.

Nic shot types

Two main UK nic shot types in 2026. Freebase nicotine shots (typically 18mg/ml). Most common UK nic shot. Higher pH nicotine producing stronger throat hit. Slower absorption gives measured delivery. Best for sub-ohm DTL setups producing big clouds. UK retailer brands: Nic Nic, Plus Nic, Just Nic It, NS Nic. Nic salt shots (typically 20mg/ml). Lower pH nicotine using benzoic acid; smoother throat hit at higher strength. Faster absorption similar to cigarette nicotine delivery. Better for MTL pod kit vaping. UK ex-cigarette smokers often find nic salts easier transition. VG/PG variations. 70/30 VG/PG: matches most sub-ohm shortfills. 50/50 VG/PG: matches MTL shortfills. 100% VG: maximises cloud production. Flavoured options. Most nic shots are unflavoured to preserve shortfill flavour. Menthol or ice nic shots add cooling effect. UK pricing: typically £1-2 per 10ml shot; bulk packs available.

How to mix step-by-step

Five-step UK 2026 mixing process. Step one: remove the cap and dripper nozzle from the shortfill bottle; keep the dripper as you will need it back. Step two: remove the cap and tamper seal from the nic shot. Step three: squeeze the entire contents of the nic shot into the shortfill bottle; the bottle is sized so one shot fills the gap exactly. Step four: replace the dripper nozzle on the shortfill bottle ensuring a tight seal. Step five: replace the cap and shake vigorously for 1-5 minutes to mix thoroughly. Optional steeping. After shaking, leave the bottle to settle for 10 minutes minimum. For best flavour development, steep for 24-48 hours in a dark place at room temperature, shaking once or twice. The mixed e-liquid is then ready to use. UK safety tips. Make sure you are adding nic shot to nicotine-free shortfill (check label) - never add to already-nicotine-containing liquid. Wash hands immediately if you spill nicotine on skin; nicotine absorbs through skin and is toxic. Store mixed liquid out of reach of children and pets. Use child-resistant cap properly.

Nicotine strength calculations

UK standard mixing produces 3mg/ml strength. Calculation: 50ml shortfill (0mg) plus 10ml of 18mg nic shot equals 60ml of e-liquid containing 180mg total nicotine (10ml x 18mg/ml = 180mg). Divided across 60ml gives 3mg/ml strength. Same maths for 100ml: two 18mg nic shots add 360mg nicotine across 120ml = 3mg/ml. UK alternative strengths. 1.5mg/ml: half a nic shot in a 50ml shortfill (decant 5ml of shortfill first). 6mg/ml: decant 10ml of shortfill, add two 18mg nic shots to remaining 40ml in the bottle. Higher strengths up to 10mg/ml: more decanting and additional nic shots. Note: 6mg/ml is generally considered maximum reasonable shortfill strength; more nic shots significantly dilutes flavour. UK 20mg nic salt shots. One 20mg nic salt shot in 50ml shortfill = 60ml of 3.33mg/ml. UK retailer calculators: Vape Superstore, Electric Tobacconist, Evapo, Vapable all provide free online nic shot calculators for custom strengths.

UK Vape Tax impact 2026

UK Vape Tax (Vaping Products Duty) introduced 1 October 2026 at £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid. Tax applies to: shortfills, nic shots, all nicotine-containing e-liquid, all nicotine-free e-liquid, prefilled pod cartridges. Cost impact on 100ml shortfill mix. 100ml shortfill: extra £22 tax. Two 10ml nic shots: extra £4.40 tax. Total tax impact on 120ml mix: £26.40. Pre-tax 100ml shortfill mix: typically £15-25 total; post-tax: £41-51. Comparison vs 10ml bottles. 10ml nicotine bottle: extra £2.20 tax. Pre-tax: £3-5; post-tax: £5.20-7.20. Shortfills still cheaper per ml after tax: 100ml mix at £41-51 = £3.40-4.25 per 10ml equivalent vs £5.20-7.20 for 10ml bottles. Strategic UK buying. Buying ahead before October 2026 saves significantly if storage allows. Bulk buying (5+ shortfills) often gives discounts that mitigate tax impact. UK retailers expected to absorb some tax through margin reduction; final prices will vary.

For UK pod kit options head to our pod kit collection. For first-time setup see how to vape.

For more on UK e-liquid options head over to our full vaping guides hub.