UK Government Announces Tougher Vape Controls with QR-Based Stamp System

Key Points

• All vapes sold in the UK must carry a digital tax stamp with a QR code.
• Illegal sellers may face fines up to £10,000 and potential jail time.
• Businesses can register beginning April 2026; system becomes mandatory in autumn.
• Border Force will be empowered to seize illegal vapes at ports of entry.
• UK already banned disposable vapes; more restrictions will follow under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
• Public health and industry groups broadly support the crackdown.

2Firsts, November 24, 2025 — According to BBC News, the UK government will unveil a sweeping new regulatory system for e-cigarettes in its upcoming Budget, including the introduction of a mandatory digital stamp scheme with QR codes, as well as heavy penalties for illegal sellers. Offenders could face fines up to £10,000 and even prison sentences.

Legitimate businesses will be able to register for the new system starting April 2026, with mandatory implementation in the autumn. Retailers will then have six months to sell through any unstamped stock. The government says the measures aim to protect Britain’s high streets from the rise of black-market vapes.

With vaping now used by an estimated one in ten adults, the government is also advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will restrict advertising, sponsorship, flavours, packaging, and in-store displays. The sale of disposable vapes was already banned earlier this year.

Under the new crackdown, Border Force will gain expanded powers to seize illegal vapes, including at ports of entry. Officials say this will “disrupt criminal networks behind black market vapes and protect the public from dangerous, unregulated products.”

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, praised the alignment of penalties with illegal tobacco enforcement.

John Herriman, head of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said cooperation with HMRC and Border Force would “significantly strengthen enforcement.”  

Gillian Golden, chief executive of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, welcomed the crackdown, noting the damage illegal products have caused to the legitimate sector.

Image source: BBC News