The Irish government has announced a significant regulatory overhaul for retailers selling tobacco and vaping products, introducing a comprehensive licensing system that will require businesses to pay substantial annual fees and meet stringent compliance standards.
Starting February 2026, retailers will be legally mandated to obtain licenses from the Health Service Executive (HSE), marking a dramatic shift from the current €50 one-time fee for tobacco sales. The new regime will impose an €800 fee for nicotine-inhaling product sales and €1,000 for tobacco product sales.
The government’s correspondence to retailers emphasizes not just financial requirements but also heightened legal responsibilities. Businesses will be held directly accountable for the safety and quality of products they sell, with potential consequences including product seizures, destruction, and legal prosecutions for non-compliance.
Recent investigative journalism has underscored the necessity of such regulations. An undercover investigation by The Journal revealed multiple compliance issues across 13 Dublin locations, including:
- Expired products on sale
- Incorrect health warning packaging
- Products exceeding legal e-liquid limits
The new licensing system aims to serve multiple objectives: reducing the number of outlets selling these products, ensuring stricter quality control, and deterring potential sales to minors. The legislation includes severe penalties for selling to children, including fines up to €4,000 and potential six-month imprisonment terms.
According to The Journal, retailers selling tobacco or nicotine products from outside the European Union, including Great Britain, will face additional scrutiny. The law explicitly states that businesses are legally responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of imported products.
“By law, you are responsible for non-compliant products found in your shop,” the government letter warns, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory breaches.
The move reflects growing concerns about vaping and tobacco product accessibility, particularly among younger populations. By implementing a costly licensing system and strict enforcement mechanisms, authorities hope to create significant barriers to casual or irresponsible retail practices.
Retailers are advised to carefully review the new requirements and prepare for the February 2026 implementation, ensuring full compliance with the upcoming regulatory framework.