2FIRSTS | UK Extends Age-18 Rules to Zero-Nicotine Vapes and Nicotine Pouches From Oct. 29, Bans Vending Machines and Promotional Giveaways
The UK will extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and non-medicinal nicotine products from October 29, 2026.Summary
Key sales provisions of the UK's Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 take effect on October 29, extending the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and non-medicinal nicotine products across the UK, including zero-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches, strips and pearls. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the new regime replaces the previous restriction that mainly applied to nicotine vaping products and brings zero-nicotine vapes under statutory age-of-sale rules; Scotland already applies age restrictions to both nicotine and non-nicotine vaping products and will extend them to additional nicotine products. Medical devices and licensed nicotine-replacement medicines are excluded.
The Act also makes proxy purchasing an offence, meaning adults who buy or attempt to buy vaping or nicotine products on behalf of someone under 18 commit an offence. Offences involving underage sales or proxy purchasing can result in a £200 fixed penalty notice in England, Wales and Scotland, or prosecution, with fines of up to £2,500 in England and Wales. Promotional giveaways of products or coupons and sales at substantial promotional discounts are prohibited, though the rules are not a blanket ban on all price discounts, and specific exemptions may apply to smoking-cessation programmes.
The vending-machine ban is extended to vaping products, nicotine products, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers, with fines of up to £2,500 in England and Wales, although machines may remain on premises if customers cannot access them. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on April 29, and other elements require further regulations or consultation, including powers on flavours, packaging, displays and licensing. These measures follow the Vaping Products Duty, introduced on October 1 at £2.20 per 10 millilitres of vaping liquid, making October 2026 a significant implementation period for the UK vaping sector.
(Source：2Firsts)
