RESEARCH ALERT
Some vapes use added chemicals to create a cold or icy feeling. New research has raised concerns about three of them: WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5. We do not yet know how common they are in Wales.
Act is law · next rules 29th October 2026
Tobacco &
Vapes Act 2026
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is law, but many of the changes have not started yet. The next major rules in Wales begin on 29th October 2026, followed by the new tobacco age-of-sale rules on 1st January 2027. This page tracks what is changing, when it starts and what it means in Wales.
What is changing?
The Act is law.
The Act is law.
The next rules are nearly here.
The Act sets new age-of-sale and distribution rules for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. Some provisions have fixed start dates; other measures need further UK or Welsh regulations before they take effect. We will keep this tracker updated as official guidance changes.
At a glance
What happens next?
Confirmed dates from official guidance, plus the planned advertising and sponsorship commencement date.
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 1st 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 1st January 2027, anyone born on or after 1st 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 29th 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 29th October 2026. More serious cases can still lead to prosecution.
Retail
Vending machines
From 29th 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
What is decided - and what is still to come in Wales.
Some rules have confirmed start dates. Other Welsh measures need consultation, regulations or a commencement decision before they can take effect.
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.
Open consultation · closes 2nd October 2026
Packaging, appearance & shop displays
A UK-wide consultation is seeking views on packaging, device appearance, flavour descriptions and retail displays for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.
Read the consultation
2 Oct
2026 deadline
Check the source
Official guidance & legislation
Use these links for the current legal position. This tracker will be updated when new commencement dates, Welsh regulations or official guidance are published.
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 next rules start on 29th October 2026.
The new tobacco age-of-sale system follows on 1st January 2027.
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 concernNeed the rules that apply now?
Use our plain-English Wales guide for the current legal position, then come back here for the Act timetable and upcoming changes.
Current laws in Wales