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Single use vapes banned from 1 June 2025
Trading Standards wishes to remind the business community that single use vapes will soon be banned, with the deadline fast approaching. The ban applies to all single use vapes whether or not they contain nicotine, and applies to shops and online sales. Businesses selling single use vapes must sell through their stock before 1 June. From this date onwards single use vapes cannot be sold. Failing to comply with the ban could lead to products being seized and traders facing legal action, such as a fine. Trading Standards has taken firm action recently against sales of illegal oversized vapes with two businesses ending up in court.
Stock should not be left in business premises as it could end up being sold by mistake. It can also create the impression that it is being kept ready for sale. Any stock that cannot be sold should be returned to suppliers or must be properly disposed of, as it cannot be thrown in the bin like normal rubbish. As well as dealing with stock, businesses should take the opportunity to ensure their sales staff are aware of the new rules and can answer any customers queries.
It is also important to check any new stock meets the new requirements for vapes and is not caught by the ban. If businesses find that a supplier offers them single use vapes after 1 June, then this can be reported to trading standards using the details below.
The ban is being introduced to deal with the issues created by single use vapes. 8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or littered every week in the UK, which is the equivalent of 13 each second. However, recycling single-use vapes is notoriously arduous, with waste industry workers needing to take them apart by hand which can be a slow and costly process. Their contents also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Single use vapes are also favoured due to their lower price when compared with the refillable equivalents. The ban plays a role in reducing take up of vaping by adults and reducing illegal underage sales.
Trading Standards advises businesses use the following checklist to get ready:
- Sell through remaining single use vapes by 1 June
- Get familiar with the new rules by reading GOV.UK guidance on the single-use vapes ban
- Check new stock is compliant with the ban
- Discuss the ban with sales staff
- Remove or properly dispose of non-compliant stock by 1 June
- Seek further advice if needed
The Regulatory Services Partnership provides Trading Standards for Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. For requests for advice or to make a report that the ban is not being complied with contact trading.standards@merton.gov.uk.
