Imperial Brands has highlighted what the newly approved Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for UK retailers, stressing that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
The legislation received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026 and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a broader range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers.
While the Act is wide-ranging, Imperial Brands emphasised that many of its provisions will be subject to further public consultation before being implemented. As a result, several of the most significant changes are not expected to come into force until later in 2027, once secondary legislation has been developed.
Some elements do have confirmed start dates. Restrictions on free distribution and discounting are expected to apply from 29 October 2026. The most high-profile measure is the introduction of a generational smoking ban from 1 January 2027, which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Other proposed measures, including potential restrictions on flavour descriptors, changes to retail display, and the introduction of a retail licensing scheme, are expected to follow later next year, subject to consultation and the publication of detailed regulations.
Imperial Brands also expects the Department of Health and Social Care to publish further guidance, alongside an implementation roadmap and timetable for secondary legislation, to help retailers understand how and when each measure will take effect.
The company said it will continue to engage with the Government and encouraged retailers to stay informed and take part in consultations as they open. Retailers seeking further information are advised to contact their Imperial Brands sales representative.
Further information on the content of the Act can be found on the UK Parliament website.
