Overview

• The UK’s prohibition of single-use e-cigarettes came into force on June 1, outlawing the sale and distribution of disposable vapes nationwide.
• Under the new law, retailers face fines up to £200 for violations and repeat offenders can be jailed for up to two years.
• With more than 8 million UK e-cigarette users generating vast amounts of disposable devices, authorities aim to curb electronic waste and fire risks from lithium-ion batteries.
• Experts highlight the role of nicotine and carcinogenic substances in youth vaping addiction, while some call for comprehensive e-cigarette regulations beyond single-use bans.
• Germany must implement a similar ban by February 2027 under EU rules targeting non-removable battery products, despite robust tobacco industry lobbying to influence policy.