Retailers are being urged to familiarise themselves with new laws affecting the sale of tobacco and vaping products, some of which will be introduced this week.
From 29 October 2026, it will be an offence to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under 18 – extending the current restrictions to include nicotine pouches and zero nicotine vapes. This applies to online sales as well as shops.
There will also be a new ban on vending machines selling tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, and vaping and nicotine products (expect in adult mental health inpatient settings in England and Wales). Giving these products away for free, or at a substantial discount, will also be prohibited.
New fixed penalty notices will be introduced to help enforce the new rules.
Mark Keal, Head of Trading Standards, said: “Over the coming months, there are a range of new rules coming in affecting the sale of tobacco and vaping products, and retailers need to be ready.
“With some changes coming in this week, businesses need to make sure their staff are aware of what’s happening and what it means for them. They should also review their vending machine products and promotional offers to make sure they don’t breach the new regulations.
“It’s also a good time to start thinking about the major changes that will be introduced on 1 January next year. At that time, it will become illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then increase by one year every year, eventually phasing out the sale of tobacco across the UK.
“That will be a big change, and businesses should start checking their age-verification policies are fit-for-purpose and consider whether they need to take any further steps, such as displaying additional signage.”
Businesses can find information on the new legislation relating to tobacco and vaping products at www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-vaping-and-nicotine-products