Sale and supply of single-use vapes to be banned

Legislation to ban the sale of single-use vapes from 1 June next year has been laid out in parliament, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed.

The UK government plans to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes starting 1 June next year, as confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Businesses will have until then to sell remaining stock. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh emphasized that single-use vapes contribute to waste and pollution, and the ban aims to foster a circular economy, reduce waste, and create jobs.

Last year, nearly five million single-use vapes were disposed of weekly in the UK, a significant increase from previous years. Concerns over child vaping have also risen, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy noting a tripling in youth vape use over three years. Health minister Andrew Gwynne highlighted that disposable vapes are particularly popular among young users, and banning them will protect both the environment and vulnerable youth. Green Alliance’s Libby Peake echoed these sentiments, calling for action against the unchecked market for disposable vapes.