The changes apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, although financial penalties differ between nations. They cover a wider range of products than previous legislation, including nicotine-free vapes and oral nicotine products. The measures form part of the Government’s broader efforts to restrict young people’s access to nicotine and vaping products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the legislation, retailers are prohibited from selling vaping products to anyone under 18, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. According to UK Government guidance<\/a>, the restrictions apply to vape pens, e-liquids, replacement pods, coils and other components used in vaping devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same age limit now applies to nicotine pouches<\/strong>, dissolvable nicotine strips and nicotine pearls. These products deliver nicotine without requiring the user to smoke or inhale vapour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Previously, restrictions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland applied only to vaping products containing nicotine. Scotland <\/strong>already restricted sales of both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vapes to children, but its rules have now been extended to other nicotine products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adults aged 18 or over are also prohibited from purchasing, or attempting to purchase, these products on behalf of anyone underage. The measure covers parents and other adults buying vaping or nicotine products for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The legislation also changes how businesses can promote these products. Free giveaways <\/strong>intended to encourage sales are prohibited, alongside substantial promotional discounts and discounted coupons. The restrictions apply where the purpose or effect is to promote vaping or nicotine products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n