From today, Thursday 29 October 2026, it is an offence across the UK for an adult to buy vaping or nicotine products on behalf of someone under 18. The change, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, closes gaps that previously left nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches outside the age-of-sale rules in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also bans vape vending machines and free giveaways of vaping and nicotine products, and gives Trading Standards officers powers to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches.

What changes today

Under the new rules, every vaping and nicotine product is restricted to customers aged 18 and over, including nicotine-free e-liquids, pods, coils and nicotine pouches, strips and pearls, Retailers are expected to apply Challenge 25 checks and to refuse a sale where they suspect proxy purchasing, where an adult is buying for a child. The sale of vaping or nicotine products through customer-facing vending machines is also now an offence, as is giving away free products or coupons, or selling them at a substantial discount, where the purpose is to promote them.

Penalties for breaking the rules

Government guidance states that a fixed penalty notice can be £200 in England, Wales and Scotland, while a £250 penalty in Northern Ireland is subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Courts can impose fines of up to £2,500 in England and Wales, or up to £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Trading Standards teams have already begun enforcement, with Sheffield City Council reporting seizures of more than 3,000 illegal cigarettes and hundreds of vapes from six premises. Retailers selling nicotine or herbal smoking products must also register, with a deadline of 29 April 2027 before related registration offences come into force.

Sources: GOV.UK, GOV.UK fixed penalty notices, Reading Borough Council.