Signal: Future format watch · Evidence: Policy foresight / not verified market presence · Scope: UK · Family: Future nicotine formats

Date checked: 30 September 2026

Why is this on the watchlist?

The explanatory notes to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 describe the consumer nicotine industry as highly adaptive. They identify other potentially plausible delivery routes that industry may explore, including absorption through the cheek, gels or creams and nasal inhalers.

What this means

This is useful early-warning information because future consumer nicotine products may not look like a vape or a pouch. It is one reason the legislation uses a broad definition of consumer nicotine products rather than naming only today’s formats.

What it does not mean

ASH Wales has not verified that consumer nicotine gels, creams or nasal inhalers are established on the UK or Welsh market. Their inclusion here is a foresight signal only. It is not evidence of availability, youth use or prevalence in Wales.

Source

Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026: explanatory notes, paragraphs 32–33