UK
Tobacco Regulation: United Kingdom
October 2026: UK Imposes Sweeping New Restrictions on Vaping and Nicotine Products Starting October 29, 2026 A comprehensive set of new regulations aimed at curbing youth access to e-cigarettes will take effect across the United Kingdom on October 29, 2026. The nationwide measures introduce strict bans on automated sales, promotional
UK: Vapes
October 2026: Vapers Continue to Outnumber Smokers in Great Britain as Smoking Rates Halve Since 2011 Adult cigarette smoking in the UK fell below 10% for the first time in 2025, reaching a record low of 9.8% (approximately 4.9 million people), down from 10.6% in 2024. The latest data from
British Cigarettes: “Fags”
October 2026: Imperial Brands Expands Paramount Range with Paramount Red Superkings Launch Imperial Brands has expanded its Paramount cigarette line in the UK with the release of Paramount Red Superkings. Featuring an American tobacco blend, the new full-strength offering is available through independent and wholesale outlets at a recommended retail
UK: Nicotine Pouches
September 2026: STG Upgrades XQS Nicotine Pouch Range with Higher Strengths and New Flavours Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) has announced a significant update to its XQS nicotine pouch portfolio, introducing higher nicotine strengths, new flavour options, and a refined release strategy designed to capitalize on shifting consumer demand in the
UK: Cigar Market
June 2026: The Structural Shift in the UK Cigar Market: The Rise of the Cigarillo Segment The UK cigar category accounts for more than £350 million in annual retail sales. Within this category, a significant structural realignment has occurred. First introduced six years ago, the cigarillo segment has expanded rapidly
UK: Cigarette Market
June 2026: Legislative Restructuring and Economic Bifurcation in the UK Tobacco Market The UK tobacco sector is entering a period of significant structural and regulatory transition. Valued at £12.6 billion over the past year, the cigarette category remains a highly profitable segment for the industry, even as it faces unprecedented
UK: Heated Tobacco
May 2026: UK Tobacco Advertising Crackdown Forces PMI to Remove IQOS Promotions From Stores Philip Morris International (PMI) is removing in-store advertising for its IQOS heated tobacco products in the UK following the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which tightens restrictions on tobacco promotion and closes regulatory loopholes
UK: Roll-Your-Own Tobacco
The UK is one of the biggest and most profitable tobacco markets in the world with close to £30 billion (US$38 billion) annual retail turnover. Despite experiencing a jaw-dropping volume decline of 17% per annum (2021-24), machine-made cigarettes (or “fags”, as a British would call them) still has a 64%
