Vape law changes 29 October 2026: new fixed penalty notices start in the UK, according to GOV.UK. The Local Government Association (LGA) says the age of sale of 18 then covers all vaping and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, and vending machines selling them are banned.
Key takeaways
- In England and Wales, the fixed penalty notice is £200, or £100 if paid early, according to GOV.UK.
- The LGA says the age of sale of 18 covers nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vapes as well as nicotine vapes.
- The new rules also cover promotional giveaways in England and Wales and a ban on vending machines, according to GOV.UK and the LGA.
Last updated: 27 October 2026
What changes on 29 October 2026?
Fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products start on 29 October 2026, according to GOV.UK. In England and Wales the notice is £200, or £100 if paid early, which the LGA says means within 14 days. GOV.UK says it replaces the old £90 proxy purchasing notice.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, and the LGA lists 29 October 2026 as the start date for these rules. GOV.UK lists four offences that can lead to an FPN in England and Wales from that date:
- Selling vaping or nicotine products to under-18s.
- Purchasing them on behalf of under-18s (proxy purchasing).
- Giving away products or coupons to promote tobacco, vaping or nicotine products.
- Selling products or coupons at a substantial reduction to promote them.
Scotland and Northern Ireland use different amounts, which the GOV.UK guidance sets out. Enforcement bodies differ by nation; see the GOV.UK guidance for details.
Are vending machines and nicotine pouches covered?
Vending machines holding vaping or nicotine products are banned from 29 October 2026, according to the LGA. In England and Wales, the LGA says this is enforced through prosecution rather than an FPN. The LGA also says the age of sale of 18 covers nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vapes from that date.
What does it mean for UK vapers?
For adult vapers, the main practical change is that shops may ask for proof of age more often. Have photo ID ready, because selling to anyone under 18 is an offence. Giving away products or coupons to promote tobacco, vaping or nicotine products is an offence that can lead to an FPN in England and Wales, according to GOV.UK.
iBreathe sells only to adults aged 18 and over. These sales rules sit alongside the product rules in our guide to UK TPD compliance.
What happens next?
The next dated change is 1 January 2027, according to the LGA. From then, selling tobacco, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 is an offence, and vapes are not part of that rule.
From 1 April 2027, the LGA says every vaping product sold must carry a valid HMRC duty stamp. That is not in force now, and our page on vaping products duty explained covers the background. Dates for advertising, vape-free places, packaging and retail licensing are not confirmed, so we have not given any.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the new vape fine in England and Wales?
According to GOV.UK, the fixed penalty notice in England and Wales is £200 from 29 October 2026. It is reduced to £100 for early payment, which the LGA says means within 14 days. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different amounts, set out in the GOV.UK guidance.
Does the age of sale of 18 apply to nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches?
Yes. The LGA says the age of sale of 18 applies to all vaping and nicotine products from 29 October 2026, including nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vapes. GOV.UK lists selling to under-18s as an offence that can lead to a fixed penalty notice in England and Wales.
Does the 1 January 2027 birth-date rule apply to vapes?
No. The LGA says that from 1 January 2027 it becomes an offence to sell tobacco, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. Vapes are not part of that birth-date rule, and the age of sale of 18 still applies to them.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Tobacco, vaping and nicotine products: fixed penalty notices
- Local Government Association: Tobacco and Vapes Act FAQs
- legislation.gov.uk: Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
Product information is on our e-liquids category page, and further updates are in iBreathe news.
