Scotland bans under-18s from buying nicotine pouches and herbal smoking products while vending machine sales and discounts are outlawed

Scotland's Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 came into force on 29 October, banning sales of nicotine pouches, strips, pearls and herbal smoking products to under-18s. Vending machines are no longer permitted to carry these products, and retailers offering substantial discounts on nicotine goods risk prosecution. Scotland becomes the only part of the UK required to maintain a register of every outlet selling nicotine products; sellers must be validly registered by 29 April 2027.

Public health minister Maree Todd warned that nicotine pouches are 'starting to gain popularity among young people' and said the ban is 'a crucial step in protecting people's health.'

Chief medical officer Gregor Smith said nicotine is 'highly addictive' and can trigger depression, concentration problems and insomnia.

The existing fixed penalty notice scheme covering tobacco and vaping offences will be broadened to include the newly banned products, giving enforcement real teeth.