From 2 February 2026, a new national licensing system for retailers selling tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, including vapes, officially came into force across Ireland.
Under Public Health legislation, all retailers must now hold a licence issued by the HSE Environmental Health Service for each premises where vapes or tobacco are sold.
Official HSE guidance confirms:
• A licence is required for nicotine inhaling products
• Licences are issued per premises
• Annual fees apply
• Retailers must meet tax clearance requirements
• Selling to anyone under 18 is illegal
HSE licensing guidance:
https://about.hse.ie/…/tobacco-nicotine-products-licence/
The prohibition on sales of nicotine inhaling products to under-18s is established in Irish law and enforced by the HSE through inspections and test purchase operations:
https://about.hse.ie/…/hse-welcomes-ban-on-sale-of…/
Retailers have been advised that compliance checks will take place in the coming months. These checks are expected to include underage test purchasing as part of enforcement activity, similar to existing tobacco control measures.
Adults over 18 can make their own choices. However, concerns have been raised locally about underage access. The purpose of the new licensing system is to strengthen oversight and improve compliance within a rapidly expanding sector.
The system is now live. Enforcement will determine how the retail landscape evolves in Carlow over the coming months.
New Vape Licensing Rules Now in Effect Across Carlow
