New UK regulations for vaping and nicotine products take effect

New regulations regarding the sale of vaping and nicotine products have come into effect across the United Kingdom on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

New restrictions and product coverage

According to the UK Government, it is now illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18. It is also an offence for individuals aged 18 or over to purchase, or attempt to purchase, these products on behalf of someone under the age of 18.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, these rules replace previous restrictions that only applied to nicotine vaping products. In Scotland, where both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes were already subject to age restrictions, the new rules will now also cover nicotine products.

According to the Government, covered vaping products include, but are not limited to:

• Vape devices, such as vape pens
• Substances to be vaped, such as e-liquid
• Related components such as coils and vape pods

Covered nicotine products include, but are not limited to:

• Nicotine pouches (tobacco-free pouches containing nicotine powder that are placed between the gum and lip)
• Nicotine strips (dissolvable films containing nicotine that are placed on the tongue or between the gum and lip)
• Nicotine pearls (small dissolvable balls containing nicotine that dissolve under the tongue)

Additionally, the law prohibits the free distribution of vaping or nicotine products if the intention or consequence is to promote the product. It is also illegal to sell these products, or vouchers for them, at a significant discount for promotional purposes.

Penalties and enforcement

Retailers must be satisfied that a customer is aged 18 or over before making a sale. Selling to someone under the age of sale is a criminal offence that may result in formal action, such as prosecution or the issuing of a fixed penalty notice (FPN).

Fines for selling to underage individuals include:

The same penalties apply to those caught purchasing products on behalf of an underage person.

Stop smoking services

According to the UK Government, these regulations do not prohibit stop smoking services from supplying vaping products, nicotine products, or vouchers "if it is done in accordance with arrangements made by a public authority."

Examples of permitted activities include local authority funded smoking cessation schemes or NHS organisations that commission or deliver stop smoking services where vapes are supplied free of charge as a cessation aid. The Government stated, "A stop smoking service can continue to offer coupons in exchange for vapes provided by a local vape store or online, so long as an agreement with a public authority is in place."

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Sources

• mirror.co.uk: New UK vaping law begins today with major changes and £200 fines - The Mirror
• kentlive.news: UK vaping law change begins today with £200 fines - Kent Live
• chroniclelive.co.uk: Major UK vaping law change from today with £200 penalties | Chronicle Live

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.