On January the 14th 2024 the government changed the vaping landscape of the United Kingdom, by enforcing a bill that would give them the power to ban the sale and use of disposable vapes in the UK. These measures, adopted by the latest Labour government will see the ban on disposables being enforced from the 1st of June 2025.
This will mean that all businesses will be unable to offer for sale or possess for sale any single-use or disposable vapes. Across all their sales channels, including online and instore. The ban also covers all disposable vapes whether they contain nicotine or not, however rechargeable vapes which can be refilled and reused will still be able to be used. Read more about rechargeable and refillable vapes here.
The ban came about due to increasing concerns about public health and the need to prevent smoking among young people. This ban seeks to curb the rise of new forms of nicotine addiction.
WHAT IS A DISPOSABLE VAPE
A pre-filled e-cigarette is a single-use, disposable electronic cigarette. It operates simply: when inhaled, it delivers flavoured vapor. Once the liquid is depleted or the battery is discharged, the e-cigarette is discarded and replaced with a new one.
THE ADVANTAGES
Disposable vapes gained popularity due to their ease of use. They require very little previous knowledge of vaping, no maintenance, no refilling or battery charging. Their compact design makes them extremely easy to carry and enables them to be used on the go with little trouble for the user.
THE DISADVANTAGES
Despite these apparent benefits of disposable vapes, they have also been widely criticised for several reason. The first of these is that there is an argument that disposable vapes possess a ‘gateway effect’ - the fear is that due to their ease of use and vibrant flavours that this could entice young people to begin smoking.
WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS AND CONTEXT OF THE LAW BANNING PUFFS?
The bill to ban the sale and marketing of single-use pre-filled electronic cigarettes was first tabled by the UK government in January 2024 by Rishi Sunak’s conservative government. This was done as part of an ambitious government plan to tackle the increase in youth vaping across the UK.
This measure came as per a consultation into smoking and vaping which was launched in October the year prior which showed a significant increase in the number of children using vapes, with usage among those aged 11-15 years old rising to 9%.
Disposable vapes had been singled out as one of the key metrics for this rise, with their use increasing ninefold in those aged 11-17 years old in the two years prior. Their goal of this legislation was to create the first smoke-free generation in the UK.
WILL RECHARGEABLE E-CIGARETTES ALSO BE BANNED?
According to the official government guidance, a disposable vape is defined as a product that is neither designed nor intended to be reused. For a vape to be considered reusable, it must be both rechargeable and refillable. Therefore, rechargeable vapes that are also refillable will not be affected by this ban and will remain legal for sale in the UK.
NEXT STEPS
In addition to the ban, the UK government is considering further measures to regulate vaping and tobacco products. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes provisions to phase out tobacco sales for individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, effectively creating a smoke-free generation.
The bill also seeks to expand smoke-free areas and introduce stricter regulations on vaping products, including advertising restrictions and limitations on flavours and packaging.
ALTERNATIVES TO PRE-FILLED E-CIGGERETTES AT VUSE
With the upcoming regulatory changes, Vuse offers a range of reusable alternatives to pre-filled e-cigarettes. The Vuse GO 1000 PEN Reload and Vuse GO 1000 BOX Reload provide a rechargeable option for those who prefer the simplicity of disposables with the benefit of reusability.
The Vuse Pro Device delivers a sleek and durable design, offering a premium vaping experience with fast-charging capabilities.
Paired with Vuse Extra Intense Pods, these alternatives these alternatives provide a variety of nicotine strengths of nicotine strengths to suit individual preferences.
