Shape the Future of UK Vaping Rules Before 2 October.
The UK government is seeking views from the public, retailers and industry representatives on proposals to restrict the packaging, device design, flavour names and retail displays of vaping products under the Tobacco and Vapes Act.
The proposals apply across the UK and have been developed with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The consultation closes on October 2nd, and responses can be submitted via the Government's online consultation survey.
Taking part in the consultation is an opportunity to help shape regulations that strike the right balance between protecting young people while preserving access to nicotine alternatives for adult smokers. If you are a vaper, a retailer or work in the industry, these changes could affect you, so it is important that your voice is heard.
Key proposals affecting vaping products
Under the proposals, some of the key changes affecting vaping products include:
- Packaging would be plain white, or possibly grey or black, and in a standardised font. An image of the device may be allowed on the pack to help identify the product.
- Device design would be limited to a single colour: white, black or grey. Screens would only be permitted to display functional information, such as the battery and nicotine level. Designs thought to be appealing to children (e.g. drink cans and highlighter pens) would also be banned.
- Flavours would be limited to a single recognised flavour name, e.g. Apple. Flavour names based on confectionery, sweets, desserts, cakes, alcohol or other drinks (like Cola) would not be allowed. Descriptors such as Ice, dual-flavour names (e.g. Lemon and Lime) and concept-style descriptions would also not be permitted.
- Displays would have to keep vaping products out of sight behind the counter, in line with existing rules on tobacco. Retailers would be allowed to show products to adult customers on request, with the permitted display limited to a maximum visible area of 1.5 sqm (or 0.1 sqm in Scotland).
The Government says it wants to introduce the above restrictions to reduce the appeal of vaping products, particularly to children and young people, while supporting adult smokers to quit.
Why your voice matters
The responsible vape sector welcomes safeguards to prevent under-18s from accessing vaping products. However, there are concerns about the potential unintended consequences the proposals could have for adults who want to quit smoking.
Applying packaging and display rules to vaping products that closely resemble tobacco regulations risks blurring the distinction between vaping and smoking at a time when public understanding of relative risks remains a challenge. The latest ASH data shows that more than half of smokers mistakenly believe that vapes are as or more harmful than cigarettes, highlighting the importance of proportionate regulation that avoids reinforcing this misperception.
As part of the consultation, the Government has published impact assessments for the proposals, which include the potential financial costs and implications for retailers.
The additional costs and compliance requirements for responsible retailers would come alongside other significant regulatory changes beyond the proposals outlined above, including the new vape tax and the future introduction of a vape retailer licensing scheme.
Informing proportionate regulation
Retailers have first-hand experience of adult smoker and vaper purchasing behaviour, play a frontline role in preventing youth access, and understand how the proposed regulations would work in practice, including the implementation time required. This insight is key to shaping effective and workable measures.
Similarly, adult vapers who have switched from smoking can provide valuable perspective on the implications that restrictions on packaging, device design, flavour names and a display ban could have on smokers considering vaping as an alternative to cigarettes.
By responding to the consultation, you can contribute to proportionate, evidence-based measures that protect young people without unintentionally adding to existing misconceptions about vaping among adult smokers.
