New vaping duty and expanded 18+ sales rules take effect in October, extending age restrictions to nicotine pouches and zero-nicotine vapes. Photo credit: Ushay Booysen, Pexels.
The UK is approaching the next major implementation phase of its Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, with new retail requirements taking effect in October and further restrictions scheduled for 2027. The government has now issued guidance to help retailers prepare for the changes.
The first major deadline comes October 1, when the UK will introduce its new Vaping Products Duty. The duty will apply at £2.20 (US$2.97) per 10 ml of vaping liquid, including nicotine-free products. Retailers will have until April 2027 to sell existing stock under the transition arrangements, but products entering the supply chain after October 1 must comply with the new duty requirements.
On October 29, the minimum sales age of 18 will extend to all consumer nicotine products, including nicotine pouches and zero-nicotine vapes. Retailers will also face a ban on vending-machine sales of vapes and other consumer nicotine products. The rules will also prohibit businesses from giving vaping or nicotine products, or related coupons, to consumers for free when the purpose or effect is promotional. They will also restrict substantial discounts intended to promote these products, while normal clearance, bulk and trade discounts will remain permitted. Certain publicly arranged smoking-cessation programs will remain exempt.
The government is also considering further restrictions on product packaging, appearance, and retail display. A consultation launched July 10 proposes standardized packaging for vaping and nicotine products, restrictions on flavor descriptions, and tighter controls on device design. It also proposes restricting where shops can display vaping, nicotine, and certain tobacco-related products.
Under the display proposals, retailers could have to keep products out of sight except when a customer requests to see them. The government estimates that more than 11,000 businesses could face compliance costs if the proposals proceed, with the total cost estimated at up to £61 million (US$82 million). The consultation closes October 2.
The government has not yet set an implementation date for the proposed packaging, appearance and display requirements. It has indicated that any new requirements would come with a minimum 12-month implementation period, giving manufacturers and retailers time to adjust products and retail operations.
Further changes will follow in 2027. From January 1, the Act will introduce the UK's generational tobacco sales restriction, making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The government also plans to bring restrictions on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products into force on June 1, 2027.