What are HFSS regulations?
These are regulations in place to restrict the location and promotion of 'less healthy products', otherwise known as products that are high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS).
Restrictions began in England in 2022, starting with placement restrictions and then in 2025 volume price promotions were banned. Earlier this year, in March 2026, Wales followed suit with location and promotion restrictions.
What’s happening in England?
30th September 2026 marks the end of the transition period where retailers are allowed to sell existing stock produced before October 2025 with volume price promotions on packaging that cannot be removed.
Volume promotions include multibuy promotions (e.g. ‘3 for the price of 2’) and promotions where you offer a product or part of a product for free (e.g. ‘buy one, get one free’).
What’s happening in Scotland?
On 1st October 2026, HFSS location and promotions restrictions will come into force in Scotland.
Under the regulations, retailers with 50 or more employees and floor space of over 2,000 sq ft will have to comply with restrictions on HFSS products at the end of aisles, at store entrances and within 2m of checkouts and queueing areas.
Regardless of store size, retailers with 50 or more employees will also have to stop multibuy and volume promotions for HFSS products. Examples include ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘three for £10’.
Non-compliance will result in a fine of up to £2,500.
What do I need to do as a retailer?
Now is the time to make sure your compliant.
You can read up about HFSS restrictions, what applies to the country where your store is based, the size of your store and the number of people you employ, by checking out ACS’ HFSS Guide here.