A series of major changes to tobacco, vaping and nicotine laws are beginning to take effect, with Highland Council warning retailers to prepare for new duties, tighter age restrictions and the introduction of the smoke free generation law.
The first change arrived on 1 October with a new Vaping Products Duty, while further retail restrictions will follow on 29 October before new tobacco age rules begin on 1 January 2027.
The UK wide Vaping Products Duty is being charged at £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid manufactured in or imported into the UK, regardless of its nicotine strength.
Retailers are being advised to understand the transition arrangements covering existing stock as well as the introduction of vaping duty stamps.
A second wave of changes will take effect in Scotland on 29 October, when selling nicotine pouches or any other nicotine product to anyone under 18 will become illegal.
The free distribution of vapes and other nicotine products will also be prohibited, while vending machines selling nicotine products will be banned.
Scotland’s Register of Tobacco and Vaping Product Retailers will be extended to businesses selling nicotine products and herbal smoking products, with age verification requirements also expanded to cover the additional categories.
The most significant long term change arrives on 1 January 2027, when retailers will no longer be permitted to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Adults who can legally buy tobacco before the new law takes effect will continue to be able to do so, meaning the legal market will gradually become smaller as younger generations grow older.
Retailers should continue to operate age verification policies under which anyone who appears to be under 25 is asked for identification, while ensuring tobacco is not sold to anyone born on or after the January 2009 cut off once the new law begins.
Highland Council Trading Standards is urging businesses to use the coming months to review staff training, compliance procedures, registration requirements and age verification policies.
Businesses selling vaping products are also being advised to consider how the new duty affects purchasing and stock management arrangements.
David MacKenzie, Highland Council Trading Standards Manager, said:
“Protecting children from harms from tobacco, vaping and nicotine products is at the heart of these important new laws.
“Retailers have a key role to play in safeguarding young people’s wellbeing and must ensure that their policies, procedures and staff training are up to date.
“The aim is to reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products, improve public health and help create a smoke-free generation.
“We will continue to work closely with local businesses to promote compliance, provide advice and support responsible retailing.
“Businesses should make full use of official guidance and seek assistance where needed to help protect children and support healthier communities.”
For Highland retailers, the message is to prepare now, because the changes arriving over the next three months affect not only who can buy tobacco and nicotine products, but how those products are taxed, sold, distributed and regulated.
