Since 1 June 2025 it is illegal for businesses to sell, offer to sell or have in their possession for sale, all single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes.
This applies to sales online and in shops and include all vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not.
The Government has produced guidance for affected retailers which can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban
In preparation for the ban, retailers were contacted by Trading Standards and told to stop buying any new stock of single-use vapes, to sell through all existing affected stock and to only buy vapes that follow the new regulations. It is crucial that from now on, retailers source only vapes which are compliant with the new law.
If any retailers do have any leftover single-use vaping products following 1 June cut-off, they will need to separate them from other goods, label them as unsellable and remove them from sale. Any affected vapes should be stored in vape bins only and be regularly collected for recycling. Unsafe storage can result in a significant fire risk.
If retailers are found to be selling or supplying single-use vapes following the ban, Trading Standards will be able to take enforcement action. Affected stock can be seized by officers and sanctions can include a fixed penalty fine and / or applying to review or amend a premises licence. If a business continues to sell single-use vapes after being warned, the local authority may take further action which can result in higher fines and possible premises closure orders and / or prosecution being sought.
The new regulations will require vapes to be rechargeable and refillable, or incorporate a pod system. Retailers are being warned that not all new devices on the market will automatically be compliant. New compliant products have already appeared on the market which clearly indicate they comply with the new law and retailers are again urged to check first before buying.