PRODUCT WATCH
Dissolvable nicotine strips and nicotine pearls are now being sold in the UK. These small oral products can leave little or nothing behind after use, but retail availability does not tell us how common use is in Wales.

PRODUCT WATCH
Toothpicks containing nicotine are being sold by UK-facing retailers. They may look ordinary, but they are nicotine products.

PRODUCT WATCH
Some vapes now have screens, games or designs that make them look more like gadgets or everyday objects. That can make them harder to recognise.

PRODUCT WATCH
Reusable pod vapes have become more common among young people who vape in Great Britain, and some look very similar to the disposable vapes they replaced.

POLICY UPDATE
The UK consultation on possible new rules for vape packaging, colours, branding and shop displays closed on 2 October 2026. The proposals are not law yet.

LAW CHANGE
From 29 October 2026, vaping and nicotine products covered by the new rules can only be sold to people aged 18 or over. New rules will also cover adults buying for under-18s, promotions and vending machines.

LAW CHANGE: NOW IN FORCE
A new UK tax and stamp system for vape liquids started on 1 October 2026. The stamp is about tax and supply rules — it is not a health or safety mark.

SAFETY ALERT
Welsh drug testing has found unexpected synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes known as Spice, in some vapes sold or described as THC, CBD or cannabinoid products.