Published 2025-04-14
UK Shops Urged to Clear Stock Ahead of Vape Ban
With only two months to go before the disposable ban comes into effect, high street shops and convenience stores in the UK are being urged to deplete their stocks of single-use vapes.
New Rules: Refillable and Rechargeable Only
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), issued a statement urging businesses to take action now to get rid of any unsold stock.
Once the ban comes into place, vaping products available for sale will have to be both refillable and rechargeable, meaning that they must be intended for multiple uses.
And although disposables products, the most popular on the market will no longer be available, some of the biggest brands have already redesigned their popular brands, making versions with refillable tanks and rechargeable batteries.
What Retailers Need to Know Before the Vape Ban Hits
As the 1st of June deadline approaches, shop owners are expected to act quickly to comply with the new legislation:
- Sell through existing disposable vape stock before the ban takes effect
- Avoid placing new orders for single-use vape products
- Remove any non-compliant products from shelves by the deadline
- Prepare to stock only refillable and rechargeable vapes going forward
- Stay informed of enforcement measures to avoid penalties or product seizures
Why the Ban? The Environmental Impact
Waste Minister Mary Creagh said “businesses must play their part by running down stocks and ensuring the remainder are collected for recycling. The Government is committed to moving towards a more circular economy, where we use, repair and refill things for longer, to reduce waste.”
The ban, which comes into effect on June 1 was introduced when legislation was laid in parliament last year, after a report said that thirteen disposable vapes were being thrown away in the UK every second.
Although disposable devices are recyclable, the process of recycling them is very difficult. There is no automated process, which means that the devices have to be taken apart by hand.
They also have to be handled with care, as there is usually some e-liquid remaining (which generally contains nicotine). This makes the whole process very slow and very expensive, as a result.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The DEFRA statement said that in England, any businesses that fail to comply with the ban could face a stop notice or a fine of £200 in the first instance. Products will be seized by Trading Standards. Any seller committing additional infractions could be hit with an unlimited fine or be prosecuted.
Final Note for Haypp Customers
While the UK’s disposable vape ban officially takes effect on 1 June 2025, the last day to order disposables from Haypp will be 31 May 2025.
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