Disposable Vape Ban Update: What You Need to Know
- This article was written by: Alex Eastland
- Published on: February 8, 2024
- Last updated: October 21, 2026
Disposable vapes have been banned across the UK since 1 June 2025. The ban applies to single-use vapes whether or not they contain nicotine, but reusable, rechargeable and refillable vapes remain legal.
On 29 January 2024, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a disposable vape ban in efforts to tackle youth vaping and protect children’s health. The UK disposable vape ban came into force on 1 June 2025.
Since then, the government has taken further steps to regulate tobacco and vaping products through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
What Does the Disposable Vape Ban Mean?
It has been illegal to sell or supply disposable vapes across the UK since 1 June 2025. In England, the ban was introduced under environmental legislation by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
What Vapes Are Banned in the UK?
The UK ban applies specifically to single-use or disposable vapes. A vape is considered single-use if it can’t be recharged, refilled or both – regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
Reusable vapes, including refillable and rechargeable devices, are not affected by the disposable vape ban. To be considered reusable, a vape must have a rechargeable battery and be refillable, either with e-liquid or with a separate replaceable prefilled pod or refill. If your device has a coil, this must also be replaceable.
Why Were Disposable Vapes Banned?
The government gave two main reasons for the disposable vape ban: concerns around the rise in teenage vaping and the environmental impact of single-use vapes. When the ban was first announced in 2024, the government reported that the number of children using vapes had tripled in the previous three years.
Research had also shown that disposable e-cigarettes were becoming more popular among young people. A University College London study found that between January 2021 and January 2022, the proportion of 18-year-old vapers using disposable e-cigarettes increased from 1% to 57%.
In October 2024, then Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:
“It’s deeply worrying that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds used a vape last year and we know disposables are the product of choice for the majority of kids vaping today.”
When the ban was first proposed, then Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“Not only are disposable vapes often targeted, unacceptably, at children – they also represent a huge and growing stream of hard-to-recycle waste, with nearly 5 million thrown away every week.”
By imposing a blanket ban on disposable vapes, the government also aimed to reduce vaping’s environmental impact.
Where Does the Disposable Vape Ban Cover?
The disposable vape ban has been introduced across the whole of the UK including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A number of other countries have also introduced tighter restrictions on vaping products. If you’re planning to travel with a vape, it’s important to check the rules before you set off. Find out more about vaping abroad in our guides:
The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with E-Cigarettes
Taking Vapes Abroad
What Does the Disposable Vape Ban Mean for OK Vape?
Evidence shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking. For adult smokers, vaping can provide an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, and research has also shown that nicotine e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking for good.
When the ban was announced we agreed with the UK Vaping Industry Association:
“The answer to youth vaping doesn’t lie in counterproductive bans and restrictions, but rather in effective and proactive enforcement – which is woefully lacking – of the law which states that it is illegal for vapes to be sold to minors.”
Our disposable vape collection, including the disposable Cigalike and Quartz Bar, was discontinued before the ban came into force on 1 June 2025.
We continue to offer refillable and rechargeable alternatives for existing adult smokers and vapers.
We’ll continue to impose strict age certification procedures to ensure our customers are over the age of 18. We do not recommend e-cigarettes to anyone who doesn’t already smoke or vape – only as tools to stop smoking.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
There’s a variety of options vapers can turn to as alternatives to disposables. These include:
For more help choosing between the different options, read our guide to the best alternatives to disposable vapes.
What Is the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026?
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 became law on 29 April 2026, with its primary focus on creating the first smoke-free generation. From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
The Act gives the government powers to introduce further rules around vaping products, including their packaging, appearance, display and flavours. However, not all of these measures have been introduced yet.
In 2026, the government consulted on proposals including standardised packaging for vapes, restrictions on how vaping products can look, limits on how flavours can be described and tighter rules around how vapes are displayed in shops. These measures would need to be introduced through further regulations before they take full effect.
FAQs
When Did the Disposable Vape Ban Begin?
The disposable vape ban came into effect across the UK on 1 June 2025. From this date, businesses could no longer sell or supply single-use vapes. Retailers were expected to have removed disposable vapes from sale by the deadline rather than continuing to sell through existing stock.
Can you still use a disposable vape you already own?
If you already owned a disposable vape before the ban came into force, you can still use it. The ban applies to the sale and supply of single-use vapes rather than personal use.
Once it’s empty or no longer usable, it should be recycled correctly rather than put in general waste. You can read more in our blog on Recycling & Disposing of Vape Accessories.
Are nicotine-free disposable vapes banned?
Yes, the disposable vape ban applies to all single-use vapes, whether they contain any nicotine or not.
Can you still buy disposable vapes in the UK?
No, it is illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes in the UK. The ban applies to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free single-use vapes.
Can you bring disposable vapes back from abroad?
Yes, disposable vapes can still be brought into the UK for personal use. The ban introduced in June 2025 applies to the sale and supply of single-use vapes rather than possession or personal use.
However, travellers should still check customs allowances and the vaping rules in the country they are travelling from. As of 1 October 2026, travellers arriving in Great Britain can bring up to 50ml of vaping liquid for personal use without paying duty or tax, but different rules apply in Northern Ireland.
