Proposed legislative changes to producing and supplying heated tobacco products

Later this year it is expected to be illegal to produce or supply heated tobacco with characterising flavour in Northern Ireland.

From 23 October 2023, it will be illegal for Northern Ireland businesses to produce or sell heated tobacco products that have a characterising flavour in Northern Ireland if legislative changes are approved by UK Parliament.

Why is this change happening?

This amendment to the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 in relation to Northern Ireland is happening because the European Commission has updated its legislation, and under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains part of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

Following approval, the enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of Tobacco Enforcement Officers in district councils. 

What is a heated tobacco product?

A heated tobacco product uses real tobacco which is heated rather than burned like a cigarette. Heated tobacco also differs from e-cigarettes or vapes which have no tobacco but use liquid containing nicotine. Heated tobacco use in Northern Ireland is 0.5%.

Read the amendment to the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.

First published 4 July 2023