More than two in five (43%) people who vape in the UK say they use disposable vapes, a government survey has found.

With the UK’s disposable vape ban taking effect in three months, the experts at HAYPP have provided essential insight on everything retailers should know ahead of the ban.

1. When does the ban take effect?

The disposable vape ban takes effect on 1 June 2025, with retailers required to clear any remaining stock by that date. This decision was made in October 2024 when Parliament passed the legislation. Alongside this, a new tax on vape e-liquids was introduced, primarily aimed at increasing prices to help prevent youth access and consumption.

2. Which vapes are considered disposable?

It’s essential for UK retailers to understand how the government defines a disposable vape. Any vape that is not designed for reuse is considered disposable. This includes:

Non-rechargeable vapes: Devices that come with a pre-charged battery and cannot be recharged once depleted.

Non-refillable vapes: Devices that come pre-filled with e-liquid and cannot be refilled once the liquid is used up.

Disposable vapes: Devices that are both non-rechargeable and non-refillable, designed for single-use until the battery or e-liquid runs out.

All of the above fall under the category of single-use vapes and will be banned from being sold both online, and in physical stores.

3. What consequences do retailers face if they are found selling disposable vapes after the ban takes effect?

Enforcement of the ban will differ based on where your business operates and will be carried out by the following government agencies: Border Force, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Trading Standards.

In England the following sanctions may be applied, depending on the circumstances:

A stop notice (non-criminal penalty)

A compliance notice (non-criminal penalty)

A fine of £200 (non-criminal penalty, typically for minor breaches)

An unlimited fine (for more serious offences)

A prison sentence of up to two years

Both an unlimited fine and a prison sentence of up to two years (for the most severe violations)

An enforcement cost recovery notice

Similar sanctions could apply in other UK jurisdictions, subject to local enforcement policies and legal frameworks.

In Scotland the following sanctions may be applied, depending on the specific case:

A fine of up to £5,000

A prison sentence of up to two years

Both a fine and a prison sentence of up to two years

In Wales the following sanctions may be applied, depending on the specific case:

A stop notice

A non-compliance penalty

An enforcement cost recovery notice

A fixed fine of £200 or a variable fine exceeding £200

In Northern Ireland the following sanctions may be applied, depending on the specific case:

A fine of up to £5,000

A prison sentence of up to two years

Both a fine and a prison sentence of up to two years

4. How should retailers prepare for the ban?

Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs at HAYPP, advises:

“The first thing retailers should do to prepare for the ban is make sure they fully understand which products are affected and ensure all staff, and customers are aware, as well. It’s also crucial to keep track of disposable vape inventory and clear out stock by the 1st of June 2025. Beyond that, retailers have an opportunity to guide customers toward sustainable alternatives, helping them make informed choices for the future.”


5. Could the ban have a significant effect on the economy?

It’s expected that the disposable vape ban will have a significant effect on the vaping industry, with customers opting for alternative nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches. In 2021 the vaping industry was revealed to have contributed £1.3 billion in turnover to the UK economy.

While there are no official numbers for the past few years, the growth of the disposable vape market suggests that number has increased substantially. What is more, the vaping industry generated £310 million in tax revenue in 2021. This all indicates that the ban will certainly have a significant effect on the overall market structure of the vaping industry, along with employment patterns and revenue streams.