Under-18s are banned from buying nicotine pouches in Scotland from today, as new rules also outlaw vending machine sales and free samples

Scotland's Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 came into force today, extending age-of-sale restrictions to nicotine pouches, strips and pearls — products that previously had no minimum purchase age. Proxy purchasing, where an adult buys on behalf of a minor, is now also a criminal offence. Retailers must register with the Scottish Government by April 29, 2027, making Scotland the only part of the UK with a comprehensive register of nicotine product sellers.

Shops that break the rules three or more times within two years can face a banning order, stripping them of the right to sell these products for up to two years.

Chief medical officer Gregor Smith warned that nicotine triggers dependence and withdrawal effects such as depression, difficulty concentrating and insomnia.

Health charity ASH said nicotine pouches had been handed out free to the public at venues including festivals, shopping centres and railway stations, none of which had previously been subject to any age restriction on the practice.