Starting June 1, 2025, disposable vapes will be banned across the UK—including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The new law covers both nicotine and non-nicotine versions, affecting sales both in stores and online.
This move aims to tackle two major issues: rising youth addiction and environmental damage. Government officials say disposable vapes have become too accessible to children, with their sweet flavors and cheap prices. “Disposables have fuelled the worrying rise in the number of children vaping,” said Sarah Sleet of Asthma + Lung UK.
The environmental impact is also alarming. Around five million disposable vapes are thrown away weekly, often ending up in landfills or polluting waterways with toxic chemicals.
Retailers must now only sell reusable, refillable vapes with replaceable coils. Non-compliance will result in a £200 fine, and repeat offenders risk larger penalties or jail time.
This ban is part of the wider Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which also aims to create a “smoke-free generation” by banning tobacco sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009.