By Timothy S. Donahue

Top Takeaways:

• Phased rollout: Imperial says most Tobacco and Vapes Act measures will not hit immediately
• Broad reach: Law expands tobacco-style regulation to vapes, pouches and heated tobacco
• Generational ban: UK smoking age restrictions begin Jan. 1, 2027

Imperial Brands is warning UK retailers that many of the sweeping changes tied to the newly passed Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will roll out in stages rather than all at once, and several major restrictions are unlikely to take full effect until late 2027.

The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29 and significantly expands the UK government’s regulatory authority over nicotine and tobacco products. Beyond traditional cigarettes, the law gives regulators authority over vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, herbal smoking products, and even cigarette papers.

Imperial Brands said that many of the most significant provisions still require consultation and secondary legislation before they can be implemented. “As a result, several of the most significant changes are not expected to come into force until later in 2027,” the company said, noting the government must first develop additional regulations and guidance.

The most closely watched provision remains the UK’s generational smoking ban. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, retailers will be prohibited from selling tobacco products, herbal smoking products, and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009.

Other confirmed provisions will arrive sooner. Imperial Brands said restrictions on free distribution and discounting are expected to take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The broader legislation, however, leaves major regulatory questions unresolved for now.

Potential future measures include restrictions on flavor descriptors, changes to product display requirements, and the creation of a retail licensing framework. Those issues are expected to move through the consultation processes later next year.

Imperial said the UK Department of Health and Social Care is also expected to publish additional implementation guidance and a regulatory roadmap to help retailers understand compliance timelines.

Imperial Brands said it plans to continue engaging with government officials as consultations progress and encouraged retailers to participate in the regulatory process as details are finalized.