Scottish Borders retailers warned to prepare for new tobacco and vaping laws

Retailers in the Scottish Borders are being warned to prepare for major new tobacco, vaping, and nicotine regulations coming into force over the next three months, including a UK-wide Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid that began on 1 October 2026, with requirements for vaping duty stamps and rules on existing stock. The most significant change is a generational smoking ban starting early next year, making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, while adults already legally able to purchase tobacco will retain that right, under the UK Government's Tobacco and Vapes Act aimed at creating a smoke-free generation. Scottish Borders Council Trading Standards is urging businesses to update staff training, internal systems, and age-verification procedures. Additional changes from 29 October include a total ban on selling nicotine pouches and other nicotine products to under-18s, a prohibition on free distribution of vapes and alternative nicotine products, a ban on vending machines selling nicotine products, and an extension of Scotland's Register of Tobacco and Vaping Product Retailers to cover nicotine and herbal smoking products, with broadened age-verification requirements. Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Public Safety and Resilience, emphasised protecting children and young people and encouraged retailers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements now. Trading Standards also reminded retailers of their role in tackling the illicit tobacco and vaping market, with concerns reportable through the SCOTSS reporting service.

(Source：Deadline News)