UK disposable vape ban date, why it's happening and new rules

A ban on disposable vapes will soon come into force

You've undoubtedly noticed disposable vapes discarded on the pavement - whether it's on your local high street, in your neighbourhood, or outside your place of work. In fact, research by Material Focus released late last year revealed an estimated 8.2 million vapes were being discarded or littered every week in the UK, equating to 13 per second.

These sweet-tasting nicotine devices have seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade. The Government has reported that between 2012 and 2023, the use of throwaway vapes skyrocketed by a staggering 400 per cent, particularly among young people.

Thankfully, you should expect to see fewer discarded vapes on the ground by the end of this summer, as the Government is implementing a nationwide ban on these flavoured nicotine sticks. The ban, announced last January, will be enforced for the purchase and sale of disposable vapes both in shops and online and with it about to take effect, questions are being asked about when exactly disposable vapes will cease to be available in the UK, and why they are being removed from our shop shelves.

When does the vape ban take effect?

Disposable vapes will be prohibited in the UK from 1 June. The ban only applies to disposable vapes, and re-usable nicotine devices will continue to be available for sale and purchase, reports the Daily Record.

So, if you're a vaper yourself, there's no need for concern as adults will still have access to a wide array of vaping products, including reusable versions of the soon-to-be-banned disposables.

Why is the Government banning vapes?

The UK Government has chosen to ban vapes for two reasons - to safeguard the environment and to discourage young people from vaping. Nearly five million disposable vapes were discarded or littered every week in 2024, according to Material Focus.

Discarded vapes leak harmful chemicals into soil, rivers and streams, and contain lithium which can ignite fires. Many vapes end up in landfill or the incinerator, where valuable materials are wasted instead of being recycled.

Disposable vapes are the most commonly used nicotine product among young people, and with their sweet flavours, vibrant colours and marketing, disposables have been blamed for the significant increase in youth vaping. NHS figures from last year revealed nearly a quarter of children aged between 11 and 15 had tried vaping, and nearly one in 10 vaped regularly.

In addition to protecting the environment, the ban aims to deter young people and children from turning to nicotine products which have been found to heighten the risk of heart disease, organ failure and dementia.

What will happen to suppliers who ignore the ban?

According to ASH, any remaining stock must be sold, safely disposed of or recycled, and cannot be sold after the official deadline.

Retailers who persist in selling disposable vapes after June 1 will be contravening the law and could face civil sanctions and criminal penalties. In Scotland, suppliers found to be flouting the ban rules could be issued a fixed penalty notice of £200, which, if settled within 14 days, would be reduced to £150.

This fine will increase by £200 each time the supplier is caught, as reported by Sky News. If you reject the fixed penalty notice, or in cases where an enforcement officer deems a fine unsuitable, the offender can be fined £5,000, or even receive a two-year prison sentence.