Nicotine and the law
What the law says
- Under 18? It’s illegal to buy or use vapes or cigarettes.
- When the new law comes in, it’ll be illegal for under-18s to buy pouches too.
- It’s also illegal for anyone to buy them for you. They could face big fines.
- Disposable vapes are totally banned in the UK (and shops selling them can be fined).
Who gets in trouble?
- Shops: Can be fined up to £200 and could lose their licence.
- Adults buying for under-18s: Risk fines and may be committing a criminal offence.
- You: Products can be confiscated, and schools may get involved if it happens on school grounds.
Fake products and rogue traders
There are rules in place to prevent people from selling fake nicotine products, and to stop rogue traders selling nicotine products to under-18s.
- Some shops sell illegal or fake nicotine products.
- These may contain toxic chemicals, dangerous nicotine levels, or other drugs.
- Unregulated batteries can overheat or explode.
- If it looks suspicious, don’t risk it.
If you spot fake products, report it here.
Selling to U18s
There are also rules in place to stop shops putting profit before the health and wellbeing of young people by selling nicotine products to under 18s.
