Scotland bans sale of nicotine products to under-18s

Scotland has implemented stricter laws to shield children and adolescents from smoking, enforcing a ban on under-18s purchasing any nicotine or herbal smoking products. This includes nicotine pouches, strips, and pearls, as well as herbal products suitable for smoking. The regulation mandates retailers selling these items to hold a valid registration by April 29 next year, making Scotland the sole UK region with such a database, according to the Scottish Government.

The legislation, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, also bans vending machines from stocking such products and prohibits substantial discounts on nicotine products.

Public health minister Maree Todd emphasized the need to safeguard future generations from nicotine addiction, stating that nicotine products, especially pouches, are becoming popular among youths. She affirmed that the ban is a significant step in protecting people's health and contributing to healthier lives across Scotland. Retailers who have already registered were thanked, and those needing to register were reminded to do so before the April deadline.

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Gregor Smith, highlighted that nicotine is a highly addictive substance leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms like depression, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. He strongly advised that those who do not smoke should never start using nicotine products, especially children and young people.

Smith welcomed the new age-of-sale restrictions on nicotine and herbal smoking products, noting their role in reducing health harms associated with nicotine addiction and addressing health inequalities in Scotland.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, supported the measures, calling them essential in closing legal loopholes and preventing the tobacco and nicotine industry from profiting at the expense of children's health. She emphasized that nicotine consumption can adversely affect young people's cardiovascular system, brain development, and mental health, making the prevention of nicotine pouch sales to children and the cessation of free sample promotions of vapes vital in combating youth nicotine addiction.