Businesses urged to prepare for vaping, nicotine and tobacco law changes

Businesses selling tobacco, vaping or nicotine products are being urged to get ready for changes in the law which if ignored could land them with a £200 fine.

Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards, along with other enforcement agencies, will be tasked with ensuring businesses follow the new rules which will be introduced from 29th October 2026.

The changes relate to updated age restrictions, vending machine bans and new rules on promotions and discounts.

From 29th October 2026, it will be illegal to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under the age of 18. It will also be an offence for an adult aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, these products for someone under 18 (known as proxy purchasing).

Products covered by the new age restriction include nicotine vapes, non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products. Medicinal products and medical devices, such as nicotine replacement therapies, are exempt.

The new legislation also covers vending machine sales, with a ban placed on them selling tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping and nicotine products.

It will be an offence for anyone responsible for premises to have a vending machine that sells or dispenses these products, even where payment is made elsewhere.

There will also be restrictions on free samples and promotional discounts from 29 October. This will include it being an offence to give away products for free where the purpose is to promote the product or sell products at a substantial discount for promotional purposes.

Businesses found flouting the new rules after they come into force risk a fixed penalty notice of £200.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet member for Communities and Safety Councillor Dan Price said: “We’re urging businesses to prepare now for these important changes. Understanding the new rules before they come into force will help retailers avoid fines and ensure vaping, nicotine and tobacco products are sold responsibly.

“These new laws are an important step in helping to protect young people from the harms associated with smoking, vaping and nicotine products and we welcome their introduction.”

The county council’s trading standards officers are encouraging retailers to get in touch if they need more detailed advice or guidance.

Trading standards advice for businesses – Derbyshire County Council can be found by clicking here.

Find out more at An introduction to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 | Business Companion by clicking here.