UK Sets New Vape, Nicotine Rules for October - Tobacco Reporter
UK enforces age 18 for all vaping and nicotine products from Oct 29, restricts promotions, sets penalties.Summary
From October 29, the UK will enforce a minimum age of 18 for all vaping and consumer nicotine products, including zero-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches, strips, and pearls, across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Adults are prohibited from purchasing these products on behalf of minors. Promotional practices are restricted: businesses cannot give away vaping or nicotine products or coupons for promotional purposes, nor offer substantial discounts with a promotional effect, though normal clearance, bulk, and trade discounts remain permitted. Medical and medicinal products are excluded, and free products may still be provided through publicly supported smoking-cessation programs. Violations carry a £200 fixed penalty in England, Wales, and Scotland, while Northern Ireland plans a £250 penalty pending Assembly approval. Repeat offenses can lead to temporary restrictions on a retailer's ability to sell regulated products. The government will provide further details on statutory age-verification requirements for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland after parliamentary consideration.
(Source：Tobacco Reporter)
