New vaping rules come into force in Wales from Thursday
Wales has raised the legal age for buying vaping and nicotine products to 18, with fines for proxy purchases and restrictions on free samples.Summary
New rules governing vaping and nicotine products take effect in Wales on Thursday, October 29, making it illegal for retailers, including online sellers, to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under 18. The change covers nicotine-free vapes and products such as nicotine pouches, strips and pearls. Adults who buy or attempt to buy such products on behalf of someone under 18 will also commit an offence, with trading standards officers able to issue a £200 fixed penalty notice, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days, replacing the previous £90 penalty for proxy purchasing. Prosecuted cases can carry a maximum fine of £2,500. The rules also ban the free distribution of vaping and nicotine products where the purpose is to promote them, including free samples, gift refill pods and coupons, and restrict promotional discounts and vending machine sales. From January 1, 2027, it will also be illegal to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, while the age limit for vaping products remains 18. The changes form part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and apply across the UK, with enforcement in Wales handled by trading standards authorities.
(Source：Herald.Wales)
