More details of the single use vape ban have been published by the UK Government ahead of the ban on June 1st.
The guidance, published by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), sets out more detail on the definitions of single-use or disposable vapes; the penalties for selling them after the introduction of the ban; and advice on what to do if you have stock of single use vapes.
The new guidance confirms information that the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has included in its dedicated Assured Advice guide on selling vapes responsibly. The ACS Selling Vapes Responsibly Guide also includes advice for retailers on how to spot an illicit product, with information on all of the things to look out for on the packaging and where to check the list of legitimate products, as well as advice on preventing underage sales and the use of Challenge25 to support colleagues.
As part of the guidance, DEFRA has reminded retailers of their responsibilities when it comes to vape recycling. Since the start of 2024, retailers who sell vapes have been required to provide a takeback service for customers on a minimum of a ‘one for one’ basis (a customer can return a vape when they purchase a new one). The DEFRA guidance clarifies that if you sell vapes, you must offer a ‘take-back’ service where you accept vapes and vape parts which includes any single-use vapes returned by customers after the introduction of the ban on June 1st. The WEEE regulations state that this take-back service must be provided on a minimum of a one-for-one basis.
Scottish retailers selling disposable vapes from June 1st 2025 can receive up to a level five fine and be imprisoned for up to two years.
A poster for retailers to display to communicate the ban on single use vapes is available here.
ACS also has developed a template poster to inform customers of their vape recycling service, which is available here.
ACS’ Assured Advice guides provide accredited standards for in-store procedures, such as health and safety or underage sales. By signing up to the ACS Assured Advice scheme and following the guidelines, ACS claims that procedures in your store will be respected by all local enforcement officers including Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers. ACS direct retailer members are covered by the protections of Assured Advice, but it can still be used as industry leading best practice for non-members.
Retailers can also seek advice from The Scottish Grocers’ Federation, which has recently updated its Regulations for Nicotine Vaping Products and Tobacco Compliance in Scotland.
