Co-written by Pradip Suwal and Hannah Rubery.
Starting the 1st of June 2025, the UK will implement a nationwide ban on the sale, offering for sale, or possession for sale of all single-use or disposable vapes, both online and in physical stores. This prohibition includes all disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. However, reusable vapes—those that can be recharged and refilled—will remain legal to sell.
The primary goal of this ban is to address the environmental damage caused by single-use vapes, which contribute to litter, waste, and safety hazards such as fires. The legislation applies across all regions of the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, although enforcement measures may differ between these areas.
Businesses, including retailers and wholesalers, must adapt to the new regulations surrounding vape devices. Under the law, a device will only be deemed reusable if it is both rechargeable and refillable, with easily replaceable components such as coils or pods. Vapes that cannot be refilled or feature non-replaceable parts will be classified as single-use and, therefore, subject to the upcoming ban.
Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to serious consequences, including fines, product confiscation, or even imprisonment. Penalties vary by region, but businesses must ensure their products align with the new standards. Additionally, they should be prepared to provide evidence of compliance during inspections.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between single-use and reusable vapes, offer clear examples, and highlight which devices will be impacted by the ban taking effect in June 2025.
Single-Use or Disposable Vapes: Explained
Single-use or disposable vapes are designed for one-time use and are meant to be discarded after use. These devices cannot be reused in any capacity. Even if a vape has a rechargeable battery but cannot be refilled with E-liquid, it is still classified as a disposable vape. Similarly, if a vape is refillable but lacks a rechargeable battery, it is also considered single-use.
When is a Vape NOT Rechargeable?
- It has a battery that cannot be recharged.
- It features a non-replaceable coil. The coil, which heats the e-liquid, is typically replaceable in reusable vapes, allowing users to replace it or the pod/cartridge that contains it.
When is a Vape NOT Refillable?
- It uses a single-use container, such as a pre-filled pod, which cannot be replaced or refilled with E-liquid.
- The container is not designed to be refilled or replaced.
Examples of Single-Use Vapes:
- Devices with a fixed mouthpiece, tank, and battery, where the liquid and coil are inaccessible—even if the device includes a USB port for recharging.
- Devices that allow users to refill the tank and recharge the battery but have a non-replaceable, encased coil as the coil cannot be replaced once it burns out.
- Devices that appear reusable but do not give users the option to purchase refillable E-liquid, pre-filled pods, or replacement coils.
Key Criteria for Reusable Vapes:
For a vape to be classified as reusable, it must meet the following conditions:
- The battery is rechargeable.
- The device is refillable with E-liquid.
- Essential parts, such as coils or pods, can be easily replaced.
Any device that fails to meet these requirements is considered a single-use vape. Under new regulations in the UK, these disposable devices will be banned starting 1 June 2025.
Reusable Vapes: What Sets them Apart?
A reusable vape is specifically designed for multiple uses and must meet the following criteria:
Rechargeable Battery:
The device must feature a rechargeable battery, distinguishing it from single-use, disposable vapes.
Refillable with E-liquid:
It should allow the user to refill it with E-liquid or replace the e-liquid container in one of two ways:
- Filling the tank or cartridge directly with E-liquid.
- Inserting pre-filled pods that come with E-liquid already inside.
Replaceable Coil:
If the vape uses a coil to heat the e-liquid and produce vapour, the coil must be replaceable by the average user. This can be done in two ways:
- Replacing the coil itself.
- Replacing a pod or tank that contains the coil. For some devices, once the coil within a pod or tank is spent, the entire pod or tank is replaced. Pods or tanks can be either disposable or refillable, depending on the device.
Key Requirement:
Refills—whether in the form of E-liquid bottles or replacement pods—must be readily available for purchase, either online or in-store.
Examples of Reusable Vapes
Refillable Devices:
A device with a refillable chamber, pod, or tank, paired with a rechargeable battery and a replaceable coil. Users can refill the chamber through a designated port, replace the coil directly, and recharge the battery via USB or USB-C.
Pod-Based Devices:
These devices use either pre-filled pods (replaced when empty) or refillable pods (replenished with separately purchased e-liquid). In pre-filled pods, the coil is replaced along with the pod. In refillable pods, users can replace the coil independently. Both types require a rechargeable battery, charged via USB or USB-C.
Compliance Note
Businesses selling reusable vapes are legally required to provide proof of compliance if requested by enforcement authorities. During inspections, they must demonstrate that their products meet the outlined criteria, ensuring the devices are legally defined as “reusable.”
Enforcement of the New Regulation
Local regulatory officers will oversee the enforcement of the regulations. For example, in England, local Trading Standards authorities will have the power to impose civil sanctions. These may include issuing stop notices, levying fines of up to £200, and, in severe cases, pursuing legal action that could result in imprisonment for individuals who fail to comply and continue selling prohibited disposables.
For more information regarding specific enforcement for England, and Wales, see the government guidance.
Conclusion
The new regulations surrounding single-use vapes mark a significant step towards reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainable practices. Businesses must ensure they comply with these guidelines to avoid penalties and support a greener future. By adapting to these changes, both retailers and consumers can contribute to a positive impact on the environment.