January 21, 2025
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published on Monday guidance for businesses preparing for the ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes from 1 June 2025.
The guidance sets out more detail on the definitions of single-use or disposable vapes, the penalties for selling them after the introduction of the ban on June 1st this year, and what to do if you have stock of single use vapes.
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.
Anyone selling disposable vapes from June 1st 2025 could be subject to a £200 fixed penalty notice, followed by further enforcement action if illicit activity continues.