Vapes and vaping
Vapes can help some adults stop smoking. Children, young people, and adults who do not smoke should never vape.
Vaping and young people
We’re concerned about young people vaping. We do not yet know the long-term health effects of vaping.
Vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive. Young people are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
In Scotland, it’s illegal for shops to sell vapes to anyone under 18. It’s also illegal to buy vapes for someone under 18.
Our Tobacco and Vaping Framework (2023) sets out our aim to stop young people from using vapes. We’re working with the other UK governments to tackle youth vaping. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 gives us powers to:
- ban vape advertising, branding and promotions aimed at children and young people
- control the flavour of vapes, and how they’re packaged and displayed in shops
Ban on single-use vapes
It’s illegal for any business in the UK to sell or supply single-use (disposable) vapes. The ban came into force in 2025. It aims to reduce waste and protect our environment.
Guidance for businesses on the single-use vapes ban has been published on the gov.uk website.
Local councils enforce the single-use vapes ban in Scotland. We’ve published guidance for councils.
Selling vapes
Any businesses selling tobacco products or vaping products in Scotland must register on the Register for Tobacco and Vaping Product Retailers.
From 29 October 2026, this register will also cover nicotine products and herbal smoking products.
Vaping information for young people and parents
You can find information about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction on the NHS Inform website.