Tobacco and Vapes Act - what happens next?
Do you want to understand more about the Tobacco and Vapes Act (previously the Tobacco and Vapes Bill) and the next steps for implementation? Read about the range of regulations being introduced, the timelines and upcoming consultations here.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act became law on 29 April 2026
Products, packaging and display restrictions
Regulation of heated tobacco and nicotine product design, descriptors of flavours, packaging, branding and retail point of sale displays.
Timeline of implementation
Regulations will be shaped by the UK Government's consultation ending on 2 October 2026
Age of sale restrictions for nicotine pouches
It will be illegal to sell nicotine pouches to anyone under the age of 18.
Comes into effect on 29 October 2026
Ban on free samples
Legislation to ban the distribution of free vapes was passed in Scotland in 2016 but, although a regulation was laid in 2023, it was not implemented.
The existing powers from the 2016 Act will be replaced by the Tobacco and Vapes Act which will now prevent the provision of free distribution of all recreational nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
Comes into effect on 29 October 2026
Registration scheme for retailers
Scotland became the first nation in the UK to have a retailers registration scheme for tobacco in 2010, and the register was expanded in 2017 to also include vapes.
This scheme will expand again to include all recreational nicotine and herbal smoking products that are within the scope of the Act.
There will be set of specific offences for those who fail to register which will come into force in 2027.
Comes into effect on 29 October 2026
Comes into effect on 29 April 2027
Ban on vending machines
Scotland banned vending machines selling cigarettes in 2010 and this measure was updated in 2017 to also include vapes. The new Act bans all nicotine products from being sold through vending machines.
Comes into effect on 29 October 2026
Smoke-free generation age of sale ban
It will be illegal to sell tobacco to anyone across the UK who was born on or after the 1 January 2009.
Comes into effect on 1 January 2027
Advertising and sponsorship bans
There will be a ban on advertising and sponsorships involving all tobacco and recreational nicotine products, including herbal and heated tobacco, vapes and nicotine pouches.
Comes into effect on 1 June 2027
New registration system for products
Tobacco, heated tobacco, nicotine products and herbal cigarettes need to be registered to be legally sold in the UK.
The UK Government now has powers to create a new products registration system.
Subject to a UK Government consultation at a time to be confirmed
Smoke, vape and heated tobacco-free spaces
The Scottish Government has new powers to expand public smoke-free spaces and create vape-free and heated tobacco-free spaces.
Subject to a Scottish Government consultation at a time to be confirmed
Restrictions on cigarette filters
The Act gives the UK Government powers to consider banning the sale and supply of cigarette filters.
Filters do not make smoking safer, provide no health benefits and cause damage to the environment.
Subject to a potential UK Government call for evidence at a time to be confirmed
Restrictions on flavour ingredients
Following analysis of responses to a call for evidence between 8 October and 3 December 2025 and further consideration, proposals relating to flavour ingredients of nicotine products may be brought forward.
Subject to a potential UK Government consultation at a time to be confirmed
The tobacco industry
Learn about the importance of WHO's FCTC Article 5.3 in preventing tobacco industry interference in the development of health policies.
Smoking harms
Tobacco is the biggest cause of cancer worldwide. Find out more about the harms of smoking.