The Disposable Vape Ban: What You Need to Know Before June 1st, 2025

Big changes are approaching the UK Vape industry, with the introduction of a nationwide ban on disposable vapes set to take effect on June 1st, 2025. After that date, businesses won’t be able to sell, supply, or even stock disposable vapes, whether they’re sold online or in store. This ban applies to all disposable vapes, no matter if they contain nicotine or not. Reusable vapes will still be allowed, offering a shift towards more sustainable and regulated alternatives. Whether you're a consumer, a business owner or just trying to make sense of the situation, it's important to stay in the loop. Here's a breakdown of the reasons behind this change, what it covers and how this ban could affect you.

Why Is the Disposable Vape Ban Happening?

The decision to ban disposable vapes comes from two issues: health risks and environmental impact. Disposable vapes are notoriously wasteful. They’re often discarded as litter or thrown into regular rubbish bins, which don’t get recycled. This waste ends up in landfills, wasting valuable resources and introducing harmful chemicals into the environment. Disposable vapes have lithium batteries, can be a fire risk, endangering waste management workers, wildlife, firefighters and the public.

To tackle these problems, the UK government is moving forward with this ban, which will be enforced in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland starting on June 1, 2025.

What the Ban Means

• No more sales of disposable vapes: After June 1st 2025, businesses won’t be able to sell disposable vapes, whether in-store or online.
• Existing stock: Businesses might have a limited window to sell off any remaining stock of disposable vapes before the deadline.

The ban will impact various types of businesses, including:

• Retail outlets
• Vape shops 
• Online retailers
• Convenience stores and petrol stations
• Supermarkets
• Wholesalers and manufacturers

What Are the Risks of Disposable Vapes?

Health Risks: Disposable vapes have gained popularity for their convenience and variety of flavours, which appeal to both new and experienced vapers. However, this trend has raised concerns among health experts. Vaping, especially with high nicotine content, can lead to addiction and potential long-term health issues, like lung damage and heart problems. With the surge in disposable vape use, particularly among younger users, the risks of nicotine addiction have become more concerning. For those new to vaping, it's always a great idea to visit a local vape shop where experts can guide you to starter, intermediate or advanced refillable kits, these won’t be affected by the ban.

Environmental Impact: Disposable vapes contribute significantly to waste. Unlike refillable devices, they’re designed to be used once and then tossed away. With millions of these devices being discarded each year, they add to the growing problem of plastic and lithium battery waste. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. This is a major reason why the UK government is enforcing the ban.

What Is a Disposable Vape?

A disposable vape is a product designed to be used only once. It comes pre-filled with e-liquid and once the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies, the device is disposed of. Unlike refillable vapes, disposables cannot be recharged or refilled. With traditional vapes, the coil, which heats up to vaporize the e-liquid, can be replaced or removed. But with disposables, you simply throw the whole device away once it’s finished.

What Happens to the Vape Industry?

The ban will shake up the vape industry. Disposable vapes have been a popular product for retailers, but businesses relying on these products will need to shift their focus. Many will need to transition to selling traditional refillable, reusable vapes, which may require more investment and product knowledge. For vape shops and retailers, this could mean educating customers about refillable options and the benefits they offer.

New businesses, in particular, may find themselves financially strained as they transition away from disposable products and adapt to selling refillable alternatives. It could require additional investment in new stock and resources to help customers make the switch.

The Long-Term Impact of the Ban

While the disposable vape ban will pose some challenges for both consumers and businesses, it’s ultimately a positive move towards a healthier and more sustainable future. It will encourage the shift towards reusable vapes, which are less harmful to the environment and better regulated for health and safety. As June 2025 approaches, it's essential for everyone, consumers and businesses alike to stay informed and prepare for a future with fewer disposable products.

In Conclusion

With the growing popularity of disposable vapes, many online and physical vape stores have seen a dip in sales of traditional e-liquids and vape kits. New vapers are purchasing disposable vapes from convenience stores, rather than supporting local vape shops or online retailers. Traditionally, if you wanted to buy a vape or e-liquid, you’d visit your local vape shop or order online. The ban on disposable vapes could lead to a revival of local vape shops, as new vapers switch to traditional refillable vapes and start supporting businesses that offer sustainable, long-term vaping solutions. It’s an exciting opportunity for the industry to refocus and thrive once again.

Vaping Tax Increases: What You Need to Know About the Changes Coming in 2026

In Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent Budget, the UK government announced new tax increases on both vaping products, effective from October 1, 2026. Here’s what you need to know about these changes.

What’s Changing?

Starting in October 2026, a £2.20 flat-rate tax per 10ml of e-liquid will be introduced. This will push the price of a 10ml bottle (for example, £1.00) to £3.20.

How Will the Tax Affect Vaping Prices?

The new tax will significantly increase the cost of e-liquids. For instance, a 10ml bottle currently costing £1.00 will increase to £3.20. Prices will vary by store and by brand, but overall, vaping products will become more expensive but still cheaper than smoking cigarettes which is a huge bonus. Vaping has always been more affordable than smoking and even with the new vape tax, it will still remain cheaper.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced a 10% tax on hand-rolling tobacco, raising the cost of a 50-gram pouch like Golden Virginia from £35 to £38. For a heavy smoker, that could mean spending over £100 a week on tobacco which is an incredibly expensive habit.

In comparison, vaping will still cost a fraction of that, even with the new tax. While there’s no word yet on further tax increases for cigarettes, there may be more on the horizon

Why Is the Government Introducing This Tax?

The government’s aim is to hopefully stop non-users of vaping products, particularly young people, from taking up vaping. The hope is that higher costs will deter people from trying vaping, while still offering a financial incentive for smokers to switch to a less harmful alternative.

The new vaping tax, set for October 2026, will raise prices for e-liquids and tobacco products. The aim is to reduce nicotine use, especially among younger people, while encouraging smokers to make the switch to vaping. Be prepared for price hikes and stay informed about further changes.