Trading Standards reminds retailers of upcoming changes to tobacco and vaping laws

Carmarthenshire County Council's Trading Standards Service is reminding retailers of important changes coming into force on 29 October 2026 under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, ahead of the introduction of the UK's smoke-free generation legislation in January 2027.

From 29 October 2026, the age of sale for all vaping and nicotine products will be 18 and over. It will be an offence to sell these products to anyone under the age of 18, and it will also be an offence for a person aged 18 or over to buy or attempt to buy them on behalf of someone under 18. Retailers are advised to operate effective age verification procedures and check identification where there is any doubt about a customer's age.

The new legislation will also prohibit vending machines from dispensing vaping products, nicotine products, tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers. Anyone with management or control of premises where such vending machines are available to customers may commit an offence, even where payment takes place elsewhere.

Businesses should also be aware of new restrictions on promotions. It will be an offence to give away vaping products, nicotine products, tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers free of charge where the purpose or effect is to promote those products. The legislation will also prohibit the sale of these products at substantial discounts and the distribution or sale of coupons offering substantial discounts. These restrictions extend to products that promote vaping or tobacco products through branding, even where the item itself is not one of the regulated products.

Retailers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes and ensure they are fully compliant before the legislation comes into force.

Businesses seeking advice can contact Carmarthenshire Trading Standards on 01267 234567 or via email.

Further information is available on GOV.UK.