Vaping is Changing: Key Updates Ahead of the Disposable Vape Ban
As the countdown to June 1 2025 continues, the impending ban on single-use vapes marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to environmental conservation and youth health.
This ban, aimed at reducing waste and combating the rising issue of underage vaping, will make it illegal to sell, offer, or supply disposable vapes in any capacity. For retailers, businesses, and consumers, understanding the implications of this ban is crucial.
Breaking Down the Ban on Single-Use Vapes
From June 1, all single-use vapes—whether nicotine-containing or not—will be prohibited from sale and supply across the UK. These vapes have been identified as a significant contributor to environmental waste, with an estimated 8.2 million units either littered or discarded weekly—the equivalent of 13 every second. The legislation applies universally to retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, as well as healthcare and stop-smoking services.
Retailers are advised to immediately stop purchasing new stocks of single-use vapes and to sell any existing inventories before the ban’s implementation date.
Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards has emphasized that any unsold vapes must be collected by a registered vape recycling service by June 1, 2025. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including unlimited fines, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Any single-use vapes found post-ban will be confiscated by Trading Standards, who will rigorously enforce the new rules.
For a comprehensive overview of the upcoming legislation, read our overview here.
Are Consumers Already Adapting to the Impending Vape Ban?
The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes or vapes appears to have declined in anticipation of the UK-wide ban.
According to a study by University College London (UCL), the percentage of people aged 16-24 who primarily use disposable vapes has nearly halved over the past year, dropping from 63% to 35%.
Serve Legal’s own data also supports this trend, with survey findings indicating a marked reduction in vaping rates between February 2023 (prior to the ban) and December 2024 (post-announcement). Respondents who vape regularly decreased from 23% to 12% and those who have never vaped increased significantly, from 20% of respondents to 61%. These statistics suggest that the impending ban may already be influencing consumer behaviour and reducing youth reliance on disposable vapes.
Addressing Underage Vaping
Underage vaping has been a central driver behind the ban on disposable vapes. Good Morning Britain recently reported a 400% increase in ambulance calls to schools for vaping-related incidents, many of which resulted in hospitalisations.
One headteacher reported 112 instances in a single school year where vape sensors were triggered by students vaping inside school buildings. In a particularly alarming case, a student nearly lost their life after unknowingly using an unregulated vape containing spice.
In his own words, he recognised that his students were ‘addicted’.
Sandwell Council and Trading Standards Take Action on Illegal Vaping Sales
Recent investigations by Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards department have underscored the challenges in enforcing age restrictions on vapes and other regulated products. In a recent operation, undercover volunteers discovered that nearly half of the tested shops in the area sold restricted items illegally to minors. Beyond vapes, this included alcohol and knives.
The council also revealed staggering numbers related to the seizure of illicit goods over the past year: 641,780 illicit cigarettes valued at over £353,000, nearly 30,000 illegal over-capacity vapes worth more than £343,000, and large quantities of unauthorised tobacco products. These findings underline the necessity of stringent measures to combat underage sales and illegal distribution, as the new legislation takes effect.
Helping Retailers Navigate Vape Ban Compliance
As the disposable vape ban looms, it is imperative for retailers to ensure they understand and comply with their responsibilities. Nottinghamshire Trading Standards has reminded retailers to stop purchasing new stocks of single-use vapes and clear existing inventories ahead of the deadline. It is also critical that businesses arrange for the proper recycling of unsold vapes to avoid penalties.
Serve Legal is committed to supporting retailers during this transition. Our audit services, data reporting, and best practice advice are designed to help businesses navigate the new legislation with confidence. By staying compliant, retailers contribute to the broader mission of reducing environmental harm and protecting youth from the dangers of unregulated vaping.
With less than one week remaining, the time to act is now. Serve Legal is here to help you prepare and ensure a smooth transition into this new regulatory landscape.
