UK ban on the sale of single-use / disposable vapes – What you need to know

The UK Government has just released new legislation confirming the details of the nationwide ban on the sale of single-use (otherwise known as disposable) vapes, both in shops and online, which will come into force on 1^st June 2025.

The ban is intended to tackle environmental concerns and to reduce the level of underage vaping.

Which products does the ban cover?

The ban applies to all single-use vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not. This means that no one will be able to:

• Sell single-use vapes in stores or online
• Distribute or offer them as part of a promotion
• Import or stock new supplies of single-use vapes after the deadline

Further details are available via https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban

Why is the ban being introduced?

There are several reasons for introducing this ban:

Environmental

• Single-use vapes create large volumes of plastic and electronic waste, which is often discarded rather than recycled correctly.

Fire risks

• Vapes contain batteries, many of which are lithium-ion, which can cause disproportionate fires if damaged or not disposed of correctly

Public Health

• Easy access to single-use vapes is contributing to an increase in under age usage, whilst some single-use vapes have been found to contain illegal amounts of nicotine and / or dangerous chemicals

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The new legislation states that the ban applies across all four nations across the UK, but enforcement and the level of fines or prison sentences will be different in each nation. Ranging from the possibility of a £200 fine in the first instance to an unlimited fine and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders.

What do businesses need to do?

With only a few months left before this legislation comes in to force it is time to prepare for the changes. The advice is to:

1. Run down existing stock, with the aim of selling all remaining single-use vapes before 1^st June 2025
2. If this is not achieved, ensure the proper disposal of any single-use vapes still in stock after the deadline. For any remaining stock and on an ongoing basis, businesses are also required to provide facilities for customers to dispose of used vapes so that they can always be recycled easily, correctly and safely.
3. Explore the alternative methods of vaping so that you can switch to selling vape products which comply with the legislation from June 2025 onwards
4. Educate your staff and customers to make sure everyone is aware of the changes

What should consumers do?

Consumers who currently use disposable vapes should consider transitioning to reusable alternatives before the ban takes effect.

Guidance on choosing the right type of vape reusable vape is available from the NHS at : https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/#vaping-devices

Any remaining single use vapes should be disposed of responsibly through the correct recycling schemes to minimise any environmental harm and the risk of fire.

Benefits of switching to reusable vapes

Remember that switching to reusable vapes can provide benefits, including:

• Refillable vapes can save users money over time, even if the initial purchase price is higher.
• Reusable vapes are more environmentally friendly than single-use / disposable vapes
• Refillable vapes allow users to control their nicotine intake by choosing e-liquids with different strengths or nicotine-free varieties and you know how much nicotine is being added.
• By buying e-liquid from recognised UK manufacturers and suppliers you can be sure that there are no unwanted or unapproved chemicals added to your vape.

With time running out before the legislation comes into effect on 1^st June 2025 anyone still selling or using disposable vapes will need to take action.