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The Act is now law
Tobacco &
Vapes Act 2026
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is now law. It introduces major changes to how tobacco, vapes and nicotine products can be sold and promoted. Here’s what people and organisations in Wales need to know — and when the changes take effect.
What is changing?
One Act.
One Act.
Different start dates.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 creates a smoke-free generation and strengthens protections to help prevent under-18s becoming addicted to nicotine. It also gives Wales new powers over retail licensing, vape-free and heated tobacco-free settings, and updates existing smoke-free provisions, while preserving access to vaping products for adults who want to quit smoking.
At a glance
Three dates to know
The main confirmed or planned dates partners are likely to be asked about.
New vape & nicotine rules
Vapes — including non-nicotine vapes — and nicotine products such as nicotine pouches cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. Adults cannot buy these products for someone under 18. Promotional giveaways and certain discounts are restricted, and new £200 fixed penalties can be used for a range of offences.
Smoke-Free Generation
Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 cannot legally be sold tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers.
Advertising & sponsorship
A wider UK ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products is planned from this date.
Planned date
The Act explained
What changes?
Tobacco
A smoke-free generation
From 1 January 2027, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 cannot legally be sold tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers. The date stays fixed, so the minimum age for buying tobacco rises over time.
Under-18s
Stronger rules for vapes & nicotine products
From 29 October 2026, vapes — including non-nicotine vapes — and nicotine products such as nicotine pouches cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. Adults cannot buy, or attempt to buy, these products for someone under 18.
Enforcement
More tools to tackle illegal sales
Trading Standards in Wales can issue £200 fixed penalties for a range of vape and nicotine offences from 29 October 2026. More serious cases can still lead to prosecution.
Retail
Vending machines
From 29 October 2026, vending machines that sell or dispense tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products or nicotine products are banned. A limited exemption allows vape vending machines in certain adult mental health inpatient settings in Wales.
Here in Wales
Some changes still need Welsh decisions.
The Act gives Welsh Ministers new options. Having the legal ability to introduce a measure does not mean that measure is already in place.
Retail licensing
Wales can introduce a licence system for shops selling tobacco, vapes and nicotine products. No start date has been set. Welsh Ministers must consult on the details before a scheme begins.
Vape-free & heated tobacco-free places
Welsh Ministers can introduce restrictions in places and vehicles that are already smoke-free. These rules do not start automatically.
Still being decided
Packaging, appearance & shop displays
A UK consultation is looking at plain packaging, branding, vape appearance, flavour names and descriptions, and retail displays.
2 Oct
2026 deadline
For partners
Keep the message simple.
If you are talking about the Act with staff, communities, schools, retailers or the public, these are the points worth repeating.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act is now law.
We are no longer talking about a Bill.
The rules begin in stages.
29 October 2026 and 1 January 2027 are the two main confirmed dates to know.
Some Welsh measures are not in place yet.
Retail licensing and new vape-free restrictions still need Welsh decisions.
Suspected illegal and underage sales can be reported.
No Ifs. No Butts. allows people to report concerns anonymously.
Resources & action
What can you do now?
Download the explainer
Use our four-page guide to brief colleagues, partners and communities on the main changes affecting Wales.
Download the 2026 explainerReport illegal or underage sales
Seen suspected illegal tobacco or vape sales, including sales to children or young people? Concerns can be reported anonymously through No Ifs. No Butts.
Report a concernKeep up to date
Some parts of the Act still need UK or Welsh regulations. We will update this page as new rules and dates are confirmed.
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