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UK bans disposable vapes from June 1 as retailers face fines and jail

Officials say it will curb plastic waste from lithium-ion batteries that litter streets.

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Overview

  • From June 1, all UK retailers must stop selling, supplying or stocking disposable vapes or face on-the-spot fines of £200 and potential imprisonment for repeat offences.
  • Vapes with rechargeable batteries and refillable containers remain legal, and retailers have been shifting stock to reusable models ahead of the ban.
  • Surveys show over 80% of vapers plan to bulk-buy disposables before the deadline, creating fire hazards from improperly stored lithium batteries in homes and waste facilities.
  • Health and environmental groups have backed the ban to tackle youth nicotine addiction and litter, while Action on Smoking and Health reports disposable vape use among 18-24-year-olds has fallen but remains significant.
  • Industry bodies warn of unintended consequences, including potential black market sales, former smokers reverting to cigarettes and new pod-style models exploiting reusable criteria to remain on shelves.