UK Government Rule Changes For Vapes: Tobacco and Vapes Bill & Vaping Tax

In this article, we look at the UK Government’s proposed rule changes for vapes, including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the introduction of a vaping tax. We’ll explain why these changes are being introduced, what they mean for vapers and retailers and how they will be enforced. We’ll also give you the key dates you need to be aware of and what steps you can take if you’re looking to quit smoking with the help of UK Meds.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about rule changes for vapes in the UK:

• The UK Government is introducing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to gradually phase out tobacco sales.

• To address environmental concerns, the government will ban the sale and supply of disposable vapes starting on the 1st of June 2025.

• The bill includes a £200 fixed penalty notice for underage sales, a retail licensing scheme, and a product registration system.

• A new vaping tax will be enforced from the 1st of October 2026, making vaping products more expensive. Businesses must apply for approval from the 1st of April 2026 to comply with the new tax regulations.

• UK Meds provides expert advice and highlights the health benefits of quitting smoking to help people transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Why are the UK Government changing the rules around vaping?

The UK Government is changing the rules around vaping as part of its plan to create a smoke-free generation. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a step towards tackling smoking-related harm by gradually phasing out tobacco sales. Under new legislation, it will become illegal to sell tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and shisha to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. By preventing young people from ever being able to purchase tobacco legally, the government aims to combat addiction and reduce smoking-related illnesses [1].

The government is also changing the rules around vaping due to concerns over the environmental impact of disposable vapes. According to the government, every week over 5 million disposable vapes are either littered or thrown away with general waste. To address this issue the UK Government plans to introduce legislation banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes [2].

What are the proposed changes?

The proposed changes under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aim to strengthen regulations around vaping and nicotine products while combating underage sales. The changes include:

• All vaping and nicotine products being banned from being sold to under-18s

• Free distribution of these products being prohibited

• New powers to establish a retail licensing scheme for tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products

• A registration system for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products entering the UK market

An enforcement measure includes a new £200 fixed penalty notice in England and Wales, allowing Trading Standards Officers to take action against those selling vapes and tobacco to minors.

This Bill is UK-wide and has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive [3].

How will the rule changes be enforced?

The rule changes under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be enforced by a combination of stricter regulations, financial penalties and monitoring of the market.

One of the key enforcement measures is the introduction of a £200 fixed penalty notice in England and Wales. This will allow Trading Standards Officers to take action against retailers caught selling vaping or tobacco products to under-18s. By enabling on-the-spot fines, the government aims to deter businesses from breaking the rules and protect young people.

The Bill will also introduce a new retail licensing scheme in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while strengthening Scotland’s existing retail register. This will ensure that only legitimate businesses are allowed to sell these products and will make it easier to track those operating illegally.

The government will also establish a registration system for tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products entering the UK. This will help improve safety, prevent non-compliant products from being sold and allow authorities to take action against unregistered or unsafe items.

Key Dates To Remember:

When will the vape tax be enforced?

The new vape tax will come into effect on 1 October 2026, as well as changes to duty rates for cigarettes and tobacco products. From this date, vaping products will be subject to a new tax making them more expensive for consumers.

Businesses will be able to apply for approval from 1 April 2026. This will give retailers and manufacturers time to comply with the new regulations and adjust their prices [4].

When will the single-use vapes ban be enforced?

The ban on single-use vapes will come into effect on the 1st of June 2025. From this date, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or possess disposable vapes whether online or in a physical shop. This ban applies to all types of single-use vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine [5].

Learn How To Quit Smoking With UK Meds:

If you're looking to quit smoking, UK Meds has a number of helpful resources to get you through the process. Our How to Quit Smoking article provides practical steps and expert advice on breaking the habit [6]. If you need motivation, then our 1 Month No Smoking Benefits piece outlines the health improvements you can expect just weeks after quitting [7]. As well as these, our Top 5 Benefits of Quitting Smoking article highlights the long-term advantages, from better lung health to improved finances [8].

Final Thoughts

The UK Government’s rule changes for vapes and tobacco products are a significant shift towards creating a smoke-free generation and addressing the environmental concerns surrounding disposable vapes. 

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduces stricter regulations including a ban on underage sales, new licensing and registration requirements and stronger enforcement measures such as on-the-spot fines. The new vaping tax will come into effect in October 2026, and the ban on single-use vapes will be enforced from June 2025. These changes will impact both consumers and retailers.

Sources

[1] Tobacco and Vapes Bill: creating a smoke-free UK and tackling youth vaping factsheet - GOV.UK

[2] Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know - gov.uk

[3] The Tobacco and Vapes Bill: What you need to know - gov.uk

[4] Vaping products duty | TaxScape | Deloitte

[5] Single-use vapes ban - GOV.UK

[6] How To Quit Smoking: Simple Tips To Kick the Habit For Good - UK Meds

[7] Quit Smoking Timeline: 1 Month No Smoking Benefits - UK Meds

[8] Top 5 Benefits of Quitting Smoking - UK Meds