The Scottish government has launched a consultation on the packaging, design, and presentation of tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. It is part of a UK-wide consultation that sets out new requirements for tobacco, vape, and nicotine products across the UK. According to the governments, the aim is to reduce the appeal of the products, particularly to children and young people, and to strengthen health protection.
The consultation fulfils a commitment from the Scottish Government for its first 100 days in office and builds on the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. The Act came into force in April 2026 and creates new powers to regulate the packaging, product design, flavours, ingredients and retail presentation of tobacco and nicotine products. The sale of single-use vapes was already banned in the UK last year.
According to the Scottish Health Minister, Maree Todd, the use of vapes has increased, particularly among children and young people. Almost one in five children has reportedly already tried a vape product. Brightly coloured packaging and eye-catching product displays are being used specifically to appeal to young people. Therefore, new regulations for marketing and sales are now being discussed.
Plain packaging for tobacco products
For tobacco products, heated tobacco products, herbal smoking products, and cigarette papers, the UK government is proposing an extension of the standardised packaging already in place for cigarettes. The proposals include packaging in the dark brown colour Pantone 448C with a matt finish, and heavily restricted branding. In addition, further text and pictorial health warnings, as well as leaflets with information on quitting smoking, are proposed.
Heated tobacco devices will also only be available in Pantone 448C in the future. Decorative lighting, eye-catching logos and digital displays with advertising content are to be omitted.
White vape packaging
For vapes and other nicotine products, the consultation envisages a significantly reduced packaging design. Packaging is to be predominantly white. Logos, images, and other advertising elements are to be largely omitted. Brand names and mandatory information would only be allowed to appear in specified fonts, colours, and sizes.
Furthermore, the shape and material of the packaging are to be standardised. Restrictions are planned for glossy surfaces, holographic effects, and tactile textures. Packaging should also be child-safe and tamper-evident.
Product names could also be more strictly regulated. Flavours should be limited to a clearly recognisable taste description, such as apple or strawberry. So-called fantasy names, as well as designations from the confectionery, dessert or beverage sectors, are to be restricted under the plans. For vape devices, only white, black or grey casings with a matt surface will be permitted in the future.
New guidelines for retail sales
In addition to packaging, the British government also wants to regulate the presentation of products in retail more strictly. In Scotland, vapes, nicotine products, heated tobacco devices, and herbal smoking products will generally no longer be openly displayed. Visibility will only be provided at the express request of the customer during the sales process.
The government points to studies linking colourful packaging, eye-catching designs, and sweet-sounding flavour names to higher appeal for children and young people. The consultation will run for twelve weeks across the UK. A transition period of at least twelve months is proposed for new packaging regulations.
Source: The Scottish Government
