New Licensing Requirement for Tobacco and Vape Retailers in Ireland

Irish retailers who sell tobacco products and/or nicotine inhaling products (including vapes) should be aware of a significant regulatory change coming into effect on 2 February 2026.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduces a new licensing system, replacing the existing tobacco registration regime. This change is being implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and will apply to both physical shops and online sales.

You can register here for the National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) online portal

When does this take effect?

The new licensing requirement comes into force on 2 February 2026. From this date, retailers entering the market must hold a valid licence before selling these products. Existing retailers and those currently registered with the HSE will have six months to apply.

Who needs a licence?

Any retailer selling:

• Tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco), and/or
• Nicotine inhaling products (e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine refills)
• A separate licence is required for each premises and for each website or online sales channel.

Licence fees

The annual licence fees are:

• €1,000 – Tobacco products only
• €800 – Nicotine inhaling products only
• €1,800 – Both tobacco and nicotine inhaling products

Licences are valid for 12 months.

How do retailers apply?

Applications must be submitted via the National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) online portal.

Retailers will need:

• A valid Tax Clearance Certificate
• To be 18 years or older
• To apply for each premises and website individually

Temporary or moveable premises (such as pop-up shops or market stalls) cannot be licensed.

Display and compliance

Once granted, licences must be:

• Clearly displayed at the point of sale
• Shown on the retailer’s website for online sales
• Selling without a licence will be treated as an offence and may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to €4,000, prosecution, or imprisonment.

Download the full HSE guidance

The HSE has provided a detailed FAQ and guidance document explaining the licensing process, fees, compliance requirements, and enforcement in full.

Members can download the full guidance here.

The Fed is now contacting members to ensure they are aware of how they participate.

The Fed has raised concerns about this matter in the past and written to the Irish Government about it. View the article here.