From Thursday 29 October 2026, it is illegal across the United Kingdom to sell nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches, strips and pearls to anyone under 18. Until now the ban covered only vapes containing nicotine. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the change.
For the first time, buying these products for a child is also an offence. An adult who buys, or tries to buy, a vape or nicotine pouches for someone under 18 commits an offence.
Free samples, promotional giveaways and large discounts are also banned – both in shops and online. Vending machines selling vapes or nicotine products are no longer allowed.
In England the rules are enforced by Trading Standards. Officers have new powers to issue on-the-spot fines. The government gives a figure of £200 per fixed penalty notice. Enforcement agencies will receive up to £30 million a year until 2028/29, including up to £10 million a year for Trading Standards. The government will also recruit 120 apprentices to tackle illicit and underage sales.
This is the next stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which became law on 29 April 2026. Next dates: from 1 January 2027 it will be illegal to sell tobacco, herbal smoking products or rolling papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. A comprehensive ban on advertising and sponsorship is due to apply from 1 June 2027.
According to the government, more than a million children have tried vaping, and more than 370,000 vape regularly.
What it means for you
If you run a shop, petrol station, kiosk or online store, from today you must check age for every vape – including nicotine-free ones – and for nicotine pouches. Your staff need to know this. “Buy one, get one free” offers and free samples must go.
Parents and older siblings: buying a vape for a teenager is now an offence, even if it is “only nicotine-free”.
Our assessment
This change will affect many Polish owners of small shops. Trading Standards checks will be easier because a fine can be issued on the spot. The shop most at risk is one where a new employee does not know the rules. We believe a simple “Challenge 25” policy and a note by the till are the cheapest protection against a fine. The next big step – the ban on selling tobacco to those born in 2009 or later – arrives in just two months.
What to do
- Train your staff today: the ban covers all vapes and nicotine pouches.
- Remove free samples and large discounts on these products from shelves and your website.
- Keep a refusals log – it will help during an inspection.
- Prepare for 1 January 2027 – the change to tobacco sales.
- Details: the government announcement on GOV.UK.
Source: GOV.UK – Department of Health and Social Care, “Under-18 sales ban extended to nicotine products and all vapes” (29 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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