New restrictions on vaping and nicotine products have come into force across the United Kingdom on Thursday 29 October 2026, making it an offence to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under 18. The measures also prohibit promotional giveaways, certain substantial discounts and customer-accessible vending machines.
Under-18 sales banned across the UK
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and associated provisions extend age-of-sale restrictions to nicotine-free vapes, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products. The rules cover vaping devices, e-liquids, pods and relevant components. Adults are also prohibited from buying, or attempting to buy, these products on behalf of children. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the new law closes gaps in earlier restrictions; Scotland already restricted nicotine-free vape sales to under-18s but now extends restrictions to additional nicotine products.
Vending machines prohibited
People responsible for premises must not make vending machines available through which customers can obtain vaping products, nicotine products, tobacco, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers. The restriction applies even if customers pay separately from the machine. A limited exemption exists for vaping machines in designated inpatient areas of mental health hospitals in England and Wales.
Free samples and promotional discounts outlawed
The legislation prohibits giving away vaping or nicotine products or relevant coupons where the purpose or effect is to promote them. It also prohibits substantial promotional discounts. Ordinary commercial discounting, including routine reductions of unsold stock, is not automatically banned. Qualifying arrangements made with public authorities for smoking cessation services can continue to provide products under specified conditions.
New enforcement penalties
In England, Wales and Scotland, £200 fixed penalty notices may be issued for specified offences including underage sales and unlawful promotional distribution. In Northern Ireland, the proposed £250 fixed penalty arrangement is subject to Assembly approval. Prosecutions can lead to higher penalties, which vary by offence and jurisdiction. For underage sales, maximum court fines are generally £2,500 in Great Britain and £5,000 in Northern Ireland.
Trading Standards welcomes changes
In a statement published on 29 October, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute welcomed the new rules, saying they close loopholes that had previously limited action against certain products being sold to children. The organisation said the public often assumed that all nicotine-free vapes and nicotine products were already age-restricted.
Further tobacco restrictions due in January
A separate measure scheduled for 1 January 2027 will prohibit sales of tobacco products to people born on or after 1 January 2009. This smokefree generation policy is distinct from the vaping restrictions taking effect today. Other proposed controls on packaging, displays and flavours have separate implementation arrangements.
What the changes mean for retailers
Retailers, including online sellers, must ensure age checks, promotional offers and vending arrangements comply with the new law. The changes do not amount to a general ban on adults buying reusable vaping products, nor do they prohibit every discount. The Government says the restrictions are intended to limit young people’s access and strengthen enforcement.