Scotland bans nicotine product sale for under-18s

Scotland will ban any under-18s from buying all nicotine and herbal smoking products in an effort to crack down on the number of children and young people smoking.

The tougher new rules, taking effect on 29 October, will make it illegal for children under the age of 18 to buy pouches, strips and pearls, and any other herbal products that can be smoked.

Anyone selling nicotine products will need to possess a valid registration by April 29, 2027, meaning Scotland will be the only country in the UK that will know where such products are being distributed.

Retailers already registered to sell tobacco and vaping products must update their registration if they intend to continue doing so, as existing registrations will not automatically cover them.

Scotland’s fixed penalty notice scheme for tobacco and vaping offences is also being extended to cover nicotine and herbal smoking product offences, alongside additional offences.

The Scottish Government has been urging retailers to review their age verification processes, staff training and registration details before the new rules took effect.

The tougher legislation comes as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, and will also mean vending machines can no longer stock such items. Discounts on the sale of any nicotine products will also be outlawed.

Public health minister Maree Todd said: “We want to protect future generations from nicotine addiction and we know that nicotine products, particularly pouches, are starting to gain popularity among young people.

“By banning the sale of these products to under-18s, the Scottish Government is taking a crucial step in protecting people’s health. This in turn is helping people across Scotland to live longer, healthier lives.

“Requiring tobacco and vape retailers to register their business to sell nicotine and herbal smoking products will also provide a strong foundation for effective regulation and enforcement of the sale of these products in Scotland.

“I want to thank all of the retailers who have already registered and remind others they must do so before the deadline next April.”

Scotland’s chief medical officer Gregor Smith said: “Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms including depression, difficulty concentrating and insomnia.

“Whilst vapes may have a role to play in assisting addicted people to stop smoking, it is very clear to me that those who do not smoke should never start using nicotine products, and this especially applies to children and young people.

“I welcome these new age-of-sale restrictions on nicotine and herbal smoking products, which will help reduce the health harms associated with nicotine addiction and address health inequalities in Scotland.”