Earlier this month, the new vape duty came into effect. This involved the UK Government introducing a new tax of £2.20 per 10ml on all e-liquids.
However, this isn't the only change to vape legislation to take place this October.
From 29th October 2026, there are a number of new restrictions in place that retailers need to be aware of:
- It will be an offence for retailers, including online retailers, to sell any vaping product or nicotine product to anyone under the age of 18*.
- It will be an offence for anyone aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, a vaping product or a nicotine product on behalf of someone who is under the age of 18*.
- It will be an offence to give away any vaping or nicotine product, or coupon, to a member of the public. This offence applies if the purpose is or effect will be to promote vaping or nicotine products.
- It will also be an offence to sell vaping or nicotine products or coupons for these products at a substantial discount. This offence applies if the purpose is or effect will be to promote any of these products.
We recommend retailers take the time to read and understand the details on the new restrictions found here.
*In Scotland, both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes were already subject to these restrictions, but these will now also cover nicotine products from 29th October 2026.
And, as a reminder, there are less than 3 months to go until the introduction of the generational tobacco ban. From January 1st 2027, anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products.
Now is the time for you to start preparing for this, ready for the start of the new year.
