The ban on single-use vapes has come into effect as of yesterday (1 June), meaning it is now illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK.
The ban applies to all businesses and organisations that sell or supply disposable vapes, including healthcare settings and stop smoking services.
Organisations have been told to arrange for any leftover stock of these vapes to be recycled.
The ban is intended to limit children’s access to cheap vapes, as well as reduce their environmental impact. It was estimated last year that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in the UK every week.
Definition of a single-use vape
Single-use vapes are not designed or intended for reuse. A vape is single-use if it either:
- has a battery you cannot recharge
- is not refillable
To be reuseable, a vape must have a:
- rechargeable battery
- refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid (such as a chamber, capsule, cartridge, pod or tank)
- removable and replaceable coil (if the vape contains a coil)
Source: DHSC
The Tobacco and Vapes bill, which is making its way through parliament, would also prohibit smoking for anyone born after 1 January 2009, as well as restricting the packaging, marketing and flavours of vapes.
It comes after the rapid rise in vaping in Britain has slowed, according to research published in April that found that the prevalence of vaping had remained ‘relatively stable’ since January 2024.
In March, the Government announced £10m to fund 80 apprentice enforcement officers to clamp down on vaping in local communities.
In October 2024, it was found that one million people vape despite never having been regular smokers.
