The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. It is the biggest change to UK vaping rules since 2016, and the first set of measures starts on 29 October 2026. This guide explains what changes, when, and what it means if you buy vapes online or run a shop.
What changes on 29 October 2026?
- 18+ for all vaping products – the age limit now covers nicotine-free products too, including 0mg e-liquids, shortfills and nicotine-free devices.
- Proxy purchasing is an offence – adults must not buy vaping or nicotine products for anyone under 18.
- No free samples or giveaways – giving away vaping or nicotine products, or vouchers for them, to promote them is banned. This includes “free gift with purchase” offers and branded freebies.
- No substantial discounting for promotion – token prices and giveaway-style deals are banned. Ordinary price reductions and bulk or trade pricing can still apply.
- No vending machines for vaping products.
- £200 fixed penalty notices – Trading Standards can fine retailers for underage sales, free distribution and substantial discounting.
Key dates at a glance
| Date | What happens | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2026 | Vaping Products Duty starts at £2.20 per 10ml | Everyone buying vaping products |
| 29 Oct 2026 | 18+ for all vapes incl. 0mg, no free samples, no substantial discounting, no vending machines | Shops, online retailers, customers |
| 1 Jan 2027 | Smoke-free generation rules for tobacco begin (not vapes) | Tobacco retailers |
| 1 Apr 2027 | Every vaping product sold must carry a valid duty stamp | Shops and online retailers |
| 1 Jun 2027 (planned) | Ban on advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products | Retailers, brands, social media |
| 2027–2029 | Rules on packaging, flavour names, shop displays and retail licensing (after consultation) | Whole industry |
What it means if you buy online
- You must be 18 or over to buy any vaping product, even nicotine-free ones. Expect to give your date of birth at checkout and to have your age checked before dispatch or on delivery – see our age verification policy.
- Retailers can no longer add free pods, bottles or other “free gifts” to orders.
- Prices may change as duty is added, and from April 2027 all products must carry a duty stamp.
What it means for shops
- Check ID for every vaping sale, including 0mg shortfills.
- Remove any free-gift, giveaway or “buy one get one free” promotions on vaping products.
- Make sure your stock is UK compliant: nicotine e-liquid up to 20mg/ml, 10ml refill bottles, 2ml pods and tanks, and no single-use (disposable) vapes.
- Plan for duty stamps by 1 April 2027 and for the advertising ban expected in June 2027.
- Read our UK vape rules for shops guide, and apply for a trade account for compliant wholesale stock.
What has not changed yet?
Plain packaging, limits on flavour names and hidden shop displays are still proposals. The government consulted on them in 2026, and any new rules are expected between 2027 and 2029. The single-use vape ban from June 2025 and the Vaping Products Duty continue to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can under-18s buy 0mg vapes after 29 October 2026?
No. From 29 October 2026 all vaping products, including nicotine-free ones, are for adults aged 18 and over.
Are multi-buy or bulk discounts still allowed?
Ordinary discounts and bulk or trade pricing can still apply. What is banned is giving products away free or using token prices to promote them.
When does the vape advertising ban start?
It is planned for 1 June 2027. Until then, the existing advertising rules under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 still apply.
This article is general information based on government and Local Government Association guidance as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Our products are for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
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