A ban on disposable vapes took effect in the U.K. on Sunday, aiming to curb their popularity among children, reduce litter, and prevent harmful chemicals from leaking into the environment. The new law prohibits the sale of both nicotine and non-nicotine disposable vapes, though retailers can still sell reusable vapes.
The move follows rising concerns over the use of disposable vapes in schools and the environmental toll, with an estimated 5 million vapes discarded weekly across the U.K., often not recycled. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and non-rechargeable, and their disposal poses risks, including fire hazards from their batteries and harm to wildlife.
Other countries, including Australia and Belgium, have also taken action to regulate vapes, with California introducing new rules in the U.S.
The U.K. government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that the ban is necessary to stop the alarming rise in youth usage and the increasing litter problem. Businesses had six months to sell off existing stock, with penalties of up to £200 ($260) for first-time offenders and potential jail time for repeat violators.
The U.K. Vaping Industry Association expressed concerns about unintended consequences, fearing that the ban could push former smokers back to tobacco or lead to the rise of unregulated vapes.
In addition, the British government is considering further regulations on e-cigarette packaging, marketing, and flavors.
Related topics:
