New regulations relating to tobacco, vaping and nicotine came into effect on 29 October 2026.

Key changes include:
•    A ban on the sale of nicotine-free vapes and nicotine products, to under-18s.
•    An end to the free distribution of vaping and nicotine products, including promotional giveaways and substantial discounts.
•    A ban on the sale of vaping and nicotine products through vending machines (with limited exemptions for mental health hospitals).
•    New enforcement powers, including £200 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).
•    For the first time, adults aged 18 or over will commit an offence if they buy, or attempt to buy, a vaping or nicotine product on behalf of someone under 18.

Selling nicotine-containing vapes to under-18s was already illegal. From today, these age-of-sale restrictions have been extended to products not previously covered by legislation, including nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches, helping to further protect children and young people from nicotine addiction and related harms.

These changes form part of the phased implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, supporting the government's ambition for a smoke-free UK and the shift from sickness to prevention set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England.

The press release from GOV.UK can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/under-18-sales-ban-extended-to-nicotine-products-and-all-vapes