Derbyshire Trading Standards is urging businesses to prepare for sweeping new rules on vaping, nicotine, and tobacco products taking effect on October 29, 2026. The legislation updates age restrictions, bans vending machine sales, and restricts promotional discounts and free giveaways across the region.
With enforcement agencies gearing up for the legislative shift, local retailers face a hard deadline to overhaul how they stock, display, and sell nicotine goods. Derbyshire Trading Standards reminded business owners that understanding the updated mandates ahead of time is the best defense against regulatory penalties.
Strict Age Limits and Proxy Purchasing Bans
Beginning October 29, 2026, the law makes it strictly illegal to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under the age of 18. This restriction casts a wide net, covering nicotine vapes, non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches, and assorted other nicotine items. However, medicinal products and medical devices—such as nicotine replacement therapies—remain exempt from the new age rules.
Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team is reminding residents to beware of cold callers. You don’t have to open the door to anyone you don’t know. If you have any concerns, you can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133 or Derbyshire Police on 101. pic.twitter.com/inHhlmJZTg
— https://x.com/DerbyshireSAB/status/1883875652962763187
The legislation goes a step further by criminalizing proxy purchasing. It will be an offense for any adult aged 18 or older to buy, or attempt to buy, covered nicotine products on behalf of someone under 18.
Vending Machine Prohibitions and Promotional Restrictions
Vending machines face an outright ban under the upcoming changes. The new rules prohibit vending machines from selling or dispensing tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, and vaping or nicotine goods. Furthermore, anyone responsible for a premises will commit an offense if they maintain a machine that dispenses these items, even if payment for the goods is processed elsewhere.
Promotional tactics will also see tight constraints. Retailers will be barred from handing out free samples intended to promote a product, and selling items at a substantial discount for promotional purposes will likewise become an offense.
Enforcement and Official Guidance
Businesses found flouting the new rules after they come into force risk a fixed penalty notice of £200.
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.
Councillor Dan Price, Cabinet member for Communities and Safety
Trading Standards officers are encouraging retailers who require detailed advice or guidance to get in touch. Operators can consult further information regarding business support or review the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
