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Starting June 1, the UK government has banned the sale of disposable vapes in a bid to curb their widespread use by children, reduce litter, and prevent environmental contamination from harmful chemicals. The new regulation makes it illegal for any retailer—whether online or in-store—to sell disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. However, reusable vapes remain legal to sell.
The crackdown follows a surge in disposable vape use among school-aged children and the estimated disposal of five million single-use vapes each week across the UK. These devices, also known as single-use vapes, are non-rechargeable and non-refillable, often discarded as general waste or litter. Even when recycled, they pose fire hazards and environmental risks due to leaking batteries and chemicals.
The UK joins other nations stepping up vape regulations: Australia banned sales outside pharmacies last year, Belgium became the first European country to outlaw disposable vapes in early 2024, and California has pioneered stricter regulations in the US.
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs emphasized that youth vaping levels remain high and that the ban will help reduce vaping in schools and the environmental damage caused by discarded devices.
Businesses had a six-month grace period to clear stock before the ban. Violators face an initial fine of £200 (about $260), with repeat offenders risking unlimited fines or jail time.
However, the UK Vaping Industry Association warned that the ban could have “serious unintended consequences,” potentially pushing former smokers back to tobacco or to unregulated products. The government is also considering restrictions on e-cigarette packaging, marketing, and flavors.
