Two weeks until disposable vapes ban
There are two weeks to go until single-use vapes are banned across the UK.
Cheshire West and Chester Council's Trading Standards officers are reminding high street shops and convenience stores that if any businesses have single-use vapes left after 1 June, it will be against the law to sell these to shoppers and they must be disposed of legally and safely.
It will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply, offer to sell or supply, or have in their possession for sale or supply all single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes. This applies to sales online and in shops and all vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine.
Single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes are those that are not designed or intended to be re-used.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:
Disposable vapes are a blight on our environment. We’ve all seen used vapes littering our streets and parks, and banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment, but will also reduce the appeal and accessibility of vapes to young people. I advise businesses to make sure they are aware of what constitutes a single-use vape, so they can help support this move and avoid breaking the law. Our Trading Standards team will working to remove illegal vapes and prosecute those who break the law.
To be treated as reuseable, a vape must be all of the following:
- Refillable – This means that it is designed to include a single-use container e.g. a pre-filled cartridge that is available for the user to buy separately, or it has a tank that a user can refill with vape liquid
- Rechargeable – This means that it is designed to contain a battery that can be recharged
- Replaceable – It must have a coil (whether or not it is part of a replacement cartridge or pod) that is capable of being replaced by the user and is available for them to buy separately to the vape itself
Guidance for businesses is available on the Government website Single-use vapes ban: what businesses need to do - GOV.UK and via Business Companion Tobacco and vapes | Business Companion.
Information relating to businesses selling single use vapes after 1 June 2025 can be reported to the Council’s Trading Standards team by emailing: RegulatoryServices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk