The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched an eight-week comprehensive call for evidence to inform new regulations under the forthcoming Tobacco and Vaping Bill, with a deadline of 3 December 2025. The initiative aims to systematically gather evidence on vape flavors, ingredients, nicotine levels, and product design, as well as proposals for an omnichannel retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vapes and a new product registration system.
Key Highlights
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Call for evidence for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is open until December 3, 2025.
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Aims to comprehensively regulate product features, focusing on restricting child-appealing flavors and designs.
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Plans to introduce a retail licensing scheme in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to tighten control over sales.
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A new product registration system will replace the current notification process to enhance safety standards.
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The ultimate goal is to create a smoke-free generation and effectively curb youth vaping.
Government Launches Nationwide Call for Evidence
November 3, 2025 — According to the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The government has officially launched an extensive call for evidence to support the development of regulations under the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This eight-week process marks a significant move in the UK’s journey towards creating a “smoke-free generation” and addressing the growing concern over youth vaping.
Building an Evidence-Based Framework for Regulation
The central objective of this initiative is to build an evidence-based foundation for a series of stringent future regulations. At the product level, the government is focused on reducing the appeal of vapes to minors.
Restrictions on Flavors and Designs Targeting Youth
The call for evidence covers restricting flavors in vapes and nicotine products, especially fruit and sweet profiles like “berry blast” or “vanilla custard” that are considered highly attractive to children.
The government is also assessing the need to regulate product appearance, such as banning bright colors, cartoon branding, and designs that make vapes resemble stationery or other everyday items.
Evaluating Ingredient Safety and Nicotine Levels
Furthermore, evidence on ingredient safety is being sought. Including the potential risks of flavorings upon inhalation, issues of heavy metal contamination, and setting appropriate nicotine limits for emerging products like nicotine pouches.
Introducing a Comprehensive Retail Licensing Scheme
In a major policy shift, the government plans to introduce a comprehensive retail licensing scheme in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The bill grants powers to require that any business selling tobacco, vapes, or related nicotine products must hold both a “personal license” and a “premises license.” This dual licensing system aims to link the right to sell directly to retailer compliance, strengthening enforcement against illegal underage sales and illicit trade.
The government is seeking evidence to shape the details of this scheme. Including eligibility criteria, fee structures, license duration, and applicability to online retailers. Notably, Scotland will continue to enhance its existing retailer register rather than adopt the new model.
Replacing the Notification System with a Product Registration Scheme
Simultaneously, the government intends to replace the current, outdated notification system with a new, more robust product registration scheme. The existing system has been criticized for lacking verification mechanisms and for excluding certain product types, such as non-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches.
The new registration system would require all tobacco, vape, and nicotine products to be registered before market entry, with detailed disclosures on ingredients, emissions, and health risks.
This framework may also include compulsory product testing and a “responsible person” requirement to ensure data accuracy and product traceability, strengthening consumer protection from source to shelf.
Open Consultation for Public and Industry Participation
This call for evidence is open to all sectors of society. Including academics, healthcare professionals, enforcement agencies, retailers, manufacturers, and the general public.
The DHSC has stated that all submitted evidence will be carefully analysed to inform draft policies. These will later undergo a formal public consultation. The final regulations aim to balance two priorities: helping adult smokers transition to less harmful alternatives while protecting children from nicotine addiction.
