New age rules for nicotine products are now in force across the UK. From today, 29 October 2026, under-18s can no longer buy nicotine or herbal smoking products in Scotland, and matching restrictions apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The change, under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, closes a major gap: nicotine pouches previously had no legal minimum age.
What the new rules ban
Only people aged 18 and over can now buy nicotine products and herbal smoking products in Scotland. That covers pouches, strips and pearls, previously outside age of sale rules. Vaping products were already age restricted in Scotland. The same restrictions apply today in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to nicotine products, non-nicotine vaping products and herbal smoking products.
The wider crackdown, not just the till
The changes go further than the point of sale. Proxy purchase has been extended, so an adult aged 18 or over cannot buy, or attempt to buy, nicotine or herbal smoking products on behalf of someone under 18. Free distribution is also an offence, so vaping or nicotine products, or coupons for them, cannot be given away to members of the public. Selling at a substantial discount, sometimes called nominal pricing, is banned too, and vending machines can no longer sell nicotine or herbal smoking products.
What retailers in Scotland must do next
Scotland is expanding its retail register to include nicotine products and herbal smoking products. Retailers have from 29 October 2026 to 29 April 2027 to register, before enforcement of the register starts. Once in force, Scotland will become the only nation in the UK to know exactly where these items are being sold. Public Health Minister Maree Todd called the ban a crucial step in protecting people’s health, noting that pouches are gaining popularity among young people. Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said nicotine is highly addictive and welcomed the restrictions.
What changed at a glance
| Rule | From 29 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Age of sale | 18 and over only |
| Products covered | Pouches, strips and pearls included |
| Proxy purchase | Banned for under-18s |
| Freebies and discounts | Free distribution and substantial discounts banned |
| Vending machines | Nicotine and herbal sales stopped |
| Scotland register | Retailers must register by 29 April 2027 |
For the wider picture, see our guide to UK vaping age rules. Our earlier breakdown of the October 29 vape rules also sets out what else changed today.
Source: Scottish Government announcement, “Sale of nicotine products to under-18s banned”.