Non-nicotine vapes join under-18 sales ban from 29 October

Retailers in Wales will be prohibited from selling nicotine-free vapes and other vaping and nicotine products to under-18s from 29 October 2026. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards service has issued a reminder ahead of the change. The UK Government’s implementation guidance confirms the start date and product scope. In England and Wales, the existing vaping age restriction covers nicotine vaping products. The new rules extend the age-of-sale protection to all vaping and nicotine products.

What products are included?

The guidance includes nicotine-free vapes, vaping liquids, pods and coils, as well as nicotine pouches and other products containing natural or synthetic nicotine. It applies to retail sales online as well as in shops. Batteries, chargers and leads are outside this specific product definition. Medicinal products and medical devices are also excluded. Retailers should use the official guidance to check the products they stock rather than assume every accessory falls within the same rule.

Age checks and buying for someone else

Section 10 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 makes an under-18 sale an offence from 29 October. Retailers are advised to satisfy themselves that a customer is at least 18 and to check identification where age is uncertain. The guidance says further regulations will specify age-verification steps; it does not make a particular Challenge 25 policy a new universal statutory requirement. Section 11 also creates an offence for someone aged 18 or over who buys, or attempts to buy, a vaping or nicotine product on behalf of an under-18. The rule concerns the purchase, rather than announcing a general offence of possession by a young person.

Promotions face restrictions too

The new promotional rules cover giveaways, substantial discounts and relevant coupons where their purpose or effect is to promote the regulated products. The guidance does not set a fixed percentage that automatically counts as a substantial discount. Section 15 includes a defence for certain free vaping or nicotine products supplied under arrangements with a public authority. The restrictions should therefore not be described as a blanket ban on every publicly arranged stop-smoking scheme. Carmarthenshire Trading Standards is asking businesses to review their stock, age checks and promotions before commencement. Its notice links to the UK guidance and gives local contact details for retailers seeking advice.