All changes that are being made as UK's vape ban comes in effect
The new disposable vape ban officially came into place on 1 June, but what does that mean for smokers across the UK?
Vaping, when done in moderation, can still be a great way for smokers to move away from cigarettes and help anyone with a nicotine addiction.
However, they are only recommended for those trying to do exactly that. Yet, there is now a huge proportion of young adults who have developed an addiction to colourful vapes, which can lead to some serious health issues.
And now, the government have taken action, with the new ban coming into place yesterday, as it also seeks to reduce the severe environmental impact that single-use vapes can have.
Disposable vape ban
As of yesterday, businesses in the UK are now officially banned from selling or supplying any single-use vapes, either in shops or online.
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Any retailers found to have breached this ban will initially be fined £200, but repeat offenders could face up to two years in prison.
For those who are confused, reusable vapes will still be available for purchase, provided they include a rechargeable battery and a replaceable coil and can be refilled.
And if any of you stocked up on disposable vapes before the ban, then don't worry; you can still return them. Retailers also have an obligation to dispose of them.
Vaping tax
The new rules aren't the only changes set to be made, as a new vaping tax will also come into place on 1 October 2026 (via the BBC).
While vaping products are already subject to a 20 per cent VAT tax, this is the first time that vapes will incur an additional duty, which will be charged at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid.
Tobacco duty will also be increased to ensure that there is still a financial incentive for people to quit cigarettes and start vaping instead.
Advertising and sponsorship ban
One of the biggest controversies surrounding vapes is the colourful branding and flavours that are advertised.
According to the House of Commons Library, there is a particular concern about advertisements being geared towards children, as their 2024 report shows that more than half of children reported seeing vapes being promoted in shops, while a third said they saw it online.
These advertising methods could soon change as the government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill is aiming to outlaw vape advertising and sponsorship.
Illegal vapes
The UK government has also promised to crackdown on illegal vapes which are believed to be far more likely to include harmful substances and drugs.
According to the BBC, more than six million of these illegal vapes were seized between 2022 and 2024, which emphasises how widely available they currently are.
Why are disposable vapes being banned?
According to the government's website, the decision behind the ban is the amount of young people vaping and the environmental damage caused by single-use vapes.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: "With their pocket money prices, and child-friendly marketing and flavour options making them more accessible, disposables have fuelled the worrying rise in the number of children vaping."
Meanwhile, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh added: "For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
"The Government calls time on these nasty devices."
James Moorhouse