The UK-wide ban on single-use vapes is now less than two months away, with enforcement beginning on 1 June 2025.
The legislation, announced in October 2024, applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It will ban the sale of all single-use, disposable vapes - regardless of nicotine content - sold both in-store and online.
The ban aims to address growing concerns around environmental damage and youth vaping.
Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.”
The government estimates that nearly five million disposable vapes are thrown away or littered each week in the UK. These products, which often contain lithium-ion batteries, contribute to fire risks and pose challenges for waste facilities.
Under the new rules, reusable vapes will remain legal, provided they are both rechargeable and refillable. Devices with coils must allow for easy replacement by consumers, ensuring they meet sustainability standards.
Guidance on the vape ban
In January 2025, Defra issued guidance to help businesses comply with the upcoming restrictions.
Retailers must remove all unsold single-use vapes from sale by 1 June, store them securely off the shop floor or website, and arrange for their proper recycling.
The guidance also reinforces the legal requirement for distributors to offer a “take back” scheme for used vape products, even after the ban comes into effect.
Defra has also outlined the penalties for non-compliance.
In England, civil sanctions such as £200 fines will be issued for initial breaches. However, repeated offences could result in unlimited fines or up to two years in prison.
In Wales, similar penalties apply, while Scotland and Northern Ireland may impose fines of up to £5,000.
Retailers and distributors are reminded that the deadline of 1 June 2025 is fast approaching. The full guidance is available on the Defra website to support compliance and ensure a smooth transition away from single-use vaping products.
Support for the ban
The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has urged retailers to support the transition by educating consumers.
CEO Gillian Golden said: “As the single-use vape ban approaches, the transition to refillable and rechargeable devices presents an invaluable opportunity to go beyond recycling. Embracing these sustainable alternatives not only reduces waste but also sets a new standard for environmentally conscious vaping.”
Public support for the ban is strong, with 69% of respondents to a government consultation in February 2024 backing the proposal.
The measure is widely seen as a step towards a circular economy, promoting the reuse of valuable resources and protecting public health.
View our previous stories on the UK-wide single-use vape ban... "UK to Ban Single-Use Vapes from June 2025 [24.10.24]" and "Defra announced that it has banned the use of single-use vapes in the UK [01.02.24]".
