Thursday October 8th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Retailers in the Scottish Borders have been urged to prepare for new laws aimed at creating a smoke-free generation.
Local retailers are being asked to prepare for a series of new tobacco, vaping and nicotine laws coming into force over the next three months.
The changes will introduce new restrictions on the sale of nicotine products and extend retailer registration requirements.
The first change has already taken effect – with the Vaping Products Duty coming into force on October 1st.
A new UK-wide duty of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid now applies to vaping liquids manufactured in or imported into the UK, regardless of nicotine strength.
Retailers will also need to be aware of new requirements around existing stock and vaping duty stamps.
The biggest change will come on January 1st 2027, when it will become illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1st 2009. Adults who can legally purchase tobacco before this date will continue to be able to do so.
The new rules are part of the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Act – intended to reduce young people’s access to tobacco and nicotine products.
It’s also hoped the changes will support the creation of a smoke-free generation.
Now Scottish Borders Council Trading Standards is urging businesses to make sure their staff, systems and age-verification procedures are ready.
Councillor Robin Tatler, SBC’s Executive Member for Executive Member for Public Safety and Resilience, said: “These are significant changes for retailers, and we want to make sure businesses across the Scottish Borders have the information and support they need to comply with the new law.
“Protecting children and young people from the harms associated with tobacco, vaping and nicotine products is at the heart of these measures.
“Retailers have an important role to play and should make sure their staff are properly trained and that their age-verification policies and procedures are up to date.
“We will continue to work with local businesses to provide advice and support compliance.
“I would encourage retailers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements now, rather than waiting until the changes come into force.”
The full list of changes which will come into force on October 29th, include:
– It will become illegal to sell nicotine pouches, and any nicotine product, to anyone under 18 years of age.
– The free distribution of vapes and other nicotine products will be prohibited.
– Vending machines used to sell nicotine products will be banned.
– Scotland’s Register of Tobacco and Vaping Product Retailers will be extended to include businesses selling nicotine products and herbal smoking products.
– Age verification policy requirements will also be extended to cover these additional product categories.
Trading Standards is also reminding retailers that they have an important role in tackling the illicit tobacco and vaping market.
Businesses and members of the public can report concerns about suspected illegal or underage sales through the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) reporting service.
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