New regulations that make it illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under 18 have come into force across the UK today, October 29. The rules apply in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, although penalties differ between nations.
It is now also a criminal offence for anyone aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, vaping or nicotine products for someone under 18, according to the UK Government.
What the New Rules Cover
Beyond raising the minimum purchase age to 18, the regulations ban handing out vaping or nicotine products free of charge where the aim or result is to promote the product. Selling such products at a substantial discount for promotional purposes is also prohibited, as is handing out or selling vouchers at a substantial discount for vaping or nicotine products where the aim or result is to promote the product.
The Government stated: "In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this replaces the previous restriction which was only applied to nicotine vaping products. In Scotland, both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes were already subject to age restrictions, but these will now also cover nicotine products from October 29, 2026."
Retailer Responsibilities and Penalties
Before making a sale, retailers must be satisfied that the customer is aged 18 or over. Selling to someone under the age of sale is a criminal offence and may result in formal action, including a fixed penalty notice (FPN) or prosecution. Customers attempting to buy vaping and nicotine products should expect to show ID if asked to prove their age.
In England, Wales and Scotland, those found guilty of selling vaping or nicotine products to underage customers face a £200 fixed penalty notice. In Northern Ireland, pending approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly, offenders can receive a £250 FPN for the same offence. Should a case reach court, fines could rise to as much as £2,500 in England, Wales and Scotland, and up to £5,000 in Northern Ireland. Identical consequences apply to those caught buying these products on behalf of someone who is underage.
Exemptions for Stop Smoking Services
The UK Government has clarified that the new regulations do not ban stop smoking services from providing vaping products, nicotine products or vouchers for these items "if it is done in accordance with arrangements made by a public authority". It cited the example of a local authority funding a smoking cessation scheme, or an NHS organisation that commissions or delivers stop smoking services, where vapes are handed out free of charge as a tool to help people quit.
It further stated: "A stop smoking service can continue to offer coupons in exchange for vapes provided by a local vape store or online, so long as an agreement with a public authority is in place."
