Important information for businesses and consumers: single-use (disposable) vape ban 1 June 2025

After this date it will be against the law for businesses in the UK to sell or have in their possession for sale single-use vapes. This applies to all types of vapes (nicotine and non-nicotine) and all sellers, including online and healthcare services.

With the sale of single-use vapes banned from 1 June, vapers currently using them will need to move towards a reusable vape instead.

After 1 June 2025 only re-usable vapes with both the following features together can be sold:

Must be refillable, and include:

• a container that is refillable, or
• a container that is separately available and can be replaced (for example a pod sysyem)

Must be rechargeable, and include:

• a battery that can be recharged, and
• a replacement coil or:
  • coil which is contained in a single-use cartridge, or pod which is separately available after purchase and can be replaced in the product's normal course of use

In order not to risk breaking the law, before 1 June responsible businesses should:

• stop buying new single-use vape stock and switch to compliant products
• remove any single-use vapes from sale or display and arrange for them to be responsibly recycled
• train staff about the new requirement

Penalties for businesses continuing to stock and sell single use vapes can include prosecution, a fixed penalty fine or compliance notices, as well as the seizure of any non-compliant vapes for destruction.

Businesses that continue to sell single use vapes after 1 June can be reported to the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards service by emailing [email protected]

When single use vapes are thrown into bins they can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and depots, risking the safety of waste management workers, firefighters and the public. In Buckinghamshire, disposable vapes can be left in a plastic bag on top of a bin for separate collection or can be taken to household recycling centres.

The council’s Public Health team advises that vaping is not risk free. Vapes should only be used by current smokers as a tool to help quit smoking. Non-smokers, especially those under 18, should not start vaping.

For further information visit: Single-use vapes: why it’s time to ditch them for good