Imperial Brands has urged retailers not to panic following the Tobacco and Vapes Bill receiving Royal Assent, stressing that most measures under the new Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will be introduced gradually and subject to further consultation.
The tobacco giant said the legislation, which became law on 29 April, gives the government sweeping powers to extend tobacco-style regulation across vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers, but noted that many provisions will not take immediate effect.
Stephen Rooney, senior government affairs manager at Imperial Brands, said retailers should understand that the impact of the Act “will be phased”.
“While some measures have fixed implementation dates, many of the key changes - particularly those affecting vaping and nicotine products - will be introduced later and following consultation,” Rooney said.
Among the measures with confirmed dates are restrictions on free distribution and discounting, which are expected to come into force from 29 October 2026.
The Act’s headline policy, the generational smoking ban, will take effect from 1 January 2027. Under the legislation, it will become illegal to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Imperial said other major changes, including potential restrictions on flavour descriptors, retail displays and the introduction of a retail licensing scheme, are expected later next year following consultation and secondary legislation.
The company also expects the Department of Health and Social Care to publish further guidance and a detailed implementation roadmap to help retailers prepare for the changes.
Rooney encouraged retailers to engage with upcoming consultations, saying their input would be important in ensuring “the practical realities of running a retail business are properly understood as the detailed rules are developed.”
Imperial said it would continue engaging with government and supporting retailers as further details of the legislation emerge.