As governments continue tightening control over tobacco and nicotine products, the global vaping industry is entering a new phase of regulatory realignment. From licensing systems and tax reforms to age restrictions and online sales bans, recent policy moves signal a clear shift toward stricter oversight and market consolidation.
.jpg "Vape")
Below is a roundup of the latest and most impactful vape-related policy developments worldwide.
1. United Kingdom: VPZ Announces Major Investment in Domestic Manufacturing
On February 2, specialist vape retailer VPZ announced a multi-million-pound investment plan aimed at expanding UK-based manufacturing, strengthening supply chain control, and creating hundreds of new jobs.
Key elements of the plan include:
- The addition of a fifth production line at VPZ’s UK manufacturing facility
- The opening of 40 new retail stores throughout 2026
- Job creation across retail, store management, logistics, warehousing, marketing, and administrative functions
VPZ described the initiative as a “responsible growth strategy aligned with infrastructure expansion and an evolving regulatory environment.”
As part of the plan, VPZ will establish a bonded warehouse at its Edinburgh headquarters. Bonded warehousing—already common in highly regulated sectors—will support enforcement oversight and help distinguish compliant retailers from illegal operators amid growing concern over illicit vape sales.
The announcement comes as UK Trading Standards and HMRC report record levels of illegal and non-compliant vape seizures. Regulators warn that illicit products undermine public health protections, tax revenues, and legitimate businesses—an issue VPZ has long advocated addressing.
The bonded warehouse is also expected to play a strategic role ahead of the UK’s vape excise tax scheduled to take effect in October, helping reduce disruption for both retailers and consumers by ensuring access to legally sourced products.
2. Ireland: New Retail Licensing System Officially Comes into Force
Ireland’s new tobacco and nicotine retail licensing regime officially took effect on February 2. Under the system:
- Retailers selling tobacco products must pay an annual €1,000 license fee
- Retailers selling nicotine inhalation products, including e-cigarettes, must pay €800 per year
British American Tobacco (BAT) has called for the licensing framework to explicitly include nicotine pouches, arguing that all nicotine products should fall under the same regulatory umbrella.
Industry group Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), which represents more than 3,500 vape retailers, strongly supports the licensing system but stresses that its success depends on robust enforcement—particularly against non-compliant mobile phone shops identified as a major source of illegal vape sales and youth access.
RVI urged Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to prioritize enforcement, noting the system’s potential to address underage use, improve excise tax compliance, and curb black market expansion.
3. Russia: Non-Judicial Blocking of Online Vape Sales from March 2026
Russia will introduce non-judicial blocking of websites selling tobacco and nicotine products online starting March 1, 2026, according to reports from RIA Novosti.
Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma’s Information Policy Committee, said the measure aims to strengthen digital oversight and protect public health, particularly by cutting off online access routes used by minors.
Under the new mechanism, offending websites will be added directly to a prohibited information registry without requiring a court ruling—significantly accelerating enforcement. Authorities argue that the previous court-based process allowed sites to continue operating for months by switching domains.
The policy also increases compliance obligations for website operators and social media platforms, shifting enforcement from reactive penalties to preventive regulation. Officials likened the approach to earlier crackdowns on online alcohol sales, which they say proved effective.
Additional provisions address domain registration transparency and digital infrastructure security, forming part of a broader effort to tighten controls on socially sensitive goods sold online.
4. Netherlands: Proposal to Raise Legal Purchase Age to 21
The Netherlands’ newly formed minority government has proposed raising the legal purchasing age for tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 as part of its 2026–2030 coalition agreement.
Signed by parties including D66, VVD, and CDA, the proposal aims to reduce youth nicotine use and advance the country’s long-term goal of creating a smoke-free generation by 2040.
While traditional smoking rates have declined modestly, flavored vapes and visually appealing vapes have grown increasingly popular among young people. Health experts warn that individuals aged 18–21 are especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction, making delayed exposure a key policy objective.
The proposal builds on earlier measures under the National Prevention Agreement, including advertising restrictions, standardized packaging, and public smoking bans.
5. Norway: Ban on Cross-Border Distance Sales of Nicotine Products
Norway will prohibit private individuals from purchasing tobacco and nicotine products via cross-border distance sales starting January 1, 2026, according to customs authorities (Tolletaten).
The ban covers online, telephone, and mail-order purchases where buyer and seller are located in different countries. Products affected include cigarettes, snus, nicotine vapes, e-liquids, heated tobacco products, and waterpipe tobacco.
Limited exemptions apply, including nicotine-free herbal products and nicotine-free vapes with tobacco flavoring. Personal imports of nicotine vapes for smoking cessation may be permitted under pharmaceutical regulations.
Unauthorized imports will be seized, confiscated, and destroyed without compensation. The ban is grounded in amendments to Norway’s Tobacco Harm Act (Tobakksskadeloven).
6. United States: Kansas Proposes Vape Manufacturer Licensing System
On January 27, 2026, the Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs held a hearing on Senate Bill 355, which proposes a mandatory state licensing system for vape manufacturers.
Under the bill:
- Manufacturers must obtain a license from the Director of Taxation
- An annual $500 license fee applies (reduced for late-year applicants)
- A surety bond is required to cover taxes and penalties
- Licenses expire annually and are non-transferable
The bill would also require licensed wholesalers and retailers, mandate age verification for online sales, and introduce criminal penalties for violations.
SB 355 was introduced on January 21 and remains under legislative review.
7. Australia: Victoria Enforces Tobacco Licensing from February 1
Victoria has formally launched its tobacco licensing system, making licenses mandatory for all tobacco retailers and wholesalers as of February 1.
More than 3,300 applications have been submitted since July 2025. Annual license fees range from AUD 829.60 to AUD 1,175.20 depending on application timing, with licenses valid until June 30, 2027.
Penalties are severe:
- Unlicensed sales can result in fines exceeding AUD 170,000 or up to five years’ imprisonment
- Selling illicit tobacco carries penalties of up to AUD 1.8 million for businesses
Enforcement is led by Tobacco Licensing Victoria with support from state police. While public health groups support the move, concerns remain about enforcement capacity and the continued prevalence of illegal tobacco and vape products nationwide.
8. United States: West Virginia Advances Vape Excise Tax Proposals
West Virginia lawmakers are advancing two competing vape tax bills.
House Bill 4482 proposes a 50% excise tax on the retail price of vape devices, pods, and e-liquids, effective July 1, 2026. It also increases penalties for reporting violations and strengthens distributor and retailer registration requirements.
An alternative proposal, Senate Bill 673, suggests taxing products based on nicotine content at $0.03 per milligram, with revenue earmarked for public employee insurance stabilization.
Both bills remain under legislative consideration.
Final Observation
Across regions, the direction is clear: tighter licensing, stronger enforcement, higher taxes, and reduced access—particularly for youth and cross-border buyers. For compliant manufacturers and retailers, regulatory clarity may ultimately favor consolidation and long-term stability, while non-compliant operators face rapidly shrinking space.