Four leading UK public health and trading standards organisations have joined forces today (11 August) to help retailers prepare for the next phase of the Tobacco & 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.
Main changes
The main changes to the current system include, from 1 October this year, the 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 1 October are either tax stamped or entered the supply chain before that date.
Then, from 29 October, 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 and the free distribution of these products will also be prohibited.
Into 2027, from 1 January, 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 group said.
“In practice, most of these changes build on existing age verification procedures already widely used…”
The organisations also 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.
Retailers are encouraged to review the full Government guidance, brief their staff and ensure they are ready ahead of the upcoming deadlines.
Vital role
John Herriman, chief executive of the 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 ASH, added: “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 ASH Wales, also commented: “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.”
Also commenting today, Nora Smith, director of policy and research at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and ASH NI, said: “The Tobacco & 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.”
Finally, the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) chief executive, Ed Woodall, said of today’s developments: “We welcome the publication of guidance from the Government on the implementation of the Tobacco & Vapes Act. Convenience retailers will play a vital role in delivering these significant changes and clear guidance is essential to help retailers to prepare for the new requirements coming into force later this year and in January 2027.
“Through our Decline 09 campaign, the ACS is helping retailers and store colleagues prepare for the introduction of the generational tobacco ban, with clear messaging and resources to support effective communication with customers and consistent implementation in stores.”
No comments yet