Stricter regulations targeting harmful goods are taking effect this week as the Government implements fresh restrictions on nicotine products, continuing ongoing efforts to tighten controls on smoking and vaping.
Beginning on Thursday, October 29, legislation makes it illegal for shops to sell nicotine pouches to customers under 18 years old.
Dr Marina Murphy, who serves as head of external affairs UK and scientific affairs at Haypp, explained that these items previously occupied an unusual gap in the law.
She stated, "This is because they are tobacco-free, so they are not regulated as tobacco products."
She continued, "They are not inhaled, so they are not covered by the rules for 'nicotine inhaling products', which imposed the 18-plus restriction on nicotine vapes."
She added, "This means that, despite containing nicotine, nicotine pouches could be legally sold to people under 18."
According to Dr Murphy, certain sellers exploited this legal loophole regarding the stocking and distribution of the pouches.
She noted, "This does not mean that under age sales were common, or that most retailers ignored age checks."
She stated, "Most retailers took a responsible approach and restricted sales to adults."
She noted, "But some unscrupulous traders did take advantage of this legal loophole."
Alongside the underage sales ban for pouches under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, vape vending machines are now prohibited from operating throughout the UK.
