Leading public health and trading standards organisations have joined forces to help retailers prepare for the next phase of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, as the Government publishes new guidance on changes coming into force from October 2026 and January 2027.
In a joint letter to the sector, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), ASH Northern Ireland and ASH Wales have set out the key changes businesses need to know, alongside practical guidance to support implementation.
The organisations are calling on retailers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements now, ensuring they are ready to deliver on the next stage of the landmark legislation.
Key changes coming into force
Guidance has now been published to support retailers ahead of the next implementation phase. The main changes include:
- From 1 October 2026: Introduction of the vape excise tax. Retailers will have until April 2027 to sell through existing stock, but must ensure that any products they sell after 1st October are either tax stamped or entered the supply chain before 1st October.
- From 29 October 2026:
- A minimum age of sale of 18 will apply to all consumer nicotine products, including nicotine pouches and zero-nicotine vapes.
- Vending machines selling vapes or other nicotine products will be banned.
- Free distribution of these products will also be prohibited.
- From 1 January 2027: The “smokefree generation” law will come into force, making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. Existing customers who can legally purchase tobacco will retain that right.
Retailers play a critical frontline role in complying with age-of-sale laws and wider tobacco control measures and thanked that the vast majority of businesses that already take these responsibilities seriously and have robust systems in place.
The organisations stressed that, in practice, most of these changes build on existing age verification procedures already widely used across the retail sector.
The updated legislation has also clarified that heated tobacco products are subject to the same restrictions on display and promotion as other tobacco products. Retailers who have not yet updated displays or removed advertising are urged to do so.
CTSI, ASH and ASH Wales highlighted that retailers, enforcement bodies and public health organisations all have a shared role in ensuring the success of the legislation.
They concluded that reducing smoking rates will lead to healthier communities, increased consumer spending power and wider economic benefits – outcomes that ultimately support responsible retailers.
Retailers are encouraged to review the full Government guidance, brief their staff and ensure they are ready ahead of the upcoming deadlines.
John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: "Responsible retailers play a vital role in protecting children and supporting fair trading.
"The overwhelming majority already have strong age verification procedures in place, and these new requirements build on those existing systems rather than creating a significant new burden. Trading Standards will continue to support businesses with clear advice and proportionate enforcement, while taking robust action against those who deliberately flout the law."
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: "These are the first of a series of changes to the way tobacco and nicotine products are sold, designed to support the government's ambition for a smokefree UK and to reduce youth vaping while ensuring lower-risk nicotine products remain available to adults stopping smoking.
"We encourage all retailers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements so they are ready for the changes ahead and can continue playing their important role in helping to create a smokefree future."
Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health Wales (ASH Wales), said: "Retailers have an essential part to play in making these changes a success.
"By applying the new rules consistently and reporting illegal sales where they occur, responsible businesses help protect their communities and create a level playing field for those who comply with the law. We encourage retailers across Wales and the rest of the UK to make use of the guidance and support available ahead of implementation."
Nora Smith, Director of Policy and Research, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and ASH NI, said, "The Tobacco and Vapes Act marks a significant milestone in protecting children and young people from the harms of smoking and nicotine addiction. The introduction of the smokefree generation policy and stronger controls on nicotine products will help ensure that fewer young people take up smoking in the years ahead.
"We recognise the important role that retailers play in implementing these measures and are committed to working alongside businesses and enforcement partners to support a smooth transition. Together, we can build a healthier, smokefree Northern Ireland.”