Disposable vapes to be banned from June 2025

The UK government has announced that the sale and use of single-use disposable vapes will be prohibited in England starting in June 2025.

Originally proposed by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration in January, the ban was delayed and not enacted before the general election held this past July.

UK doctors have recently advocated for a ban on disposable vapes as well. The British Medical Association (BMA), a professional association representing doctors, argues that the bright colours and appealing flavours of these vapes are designed to attract children.

The NHS warns that vaping may lead young people into addictive habits, with long-term health risks that are still uncertain.

Another key concern is the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are challenging to recycle. When discarded in landfills, the batteries in these devices can leak harmful substances, such as battery acid, lithium, and mercury, into the environment.

While selling any vaping products to individuals under 18 is illegal, disposable vapes—often sold in colourful, eye-catching packaging—are believed to be a major factor in the rise of vaping among young people, according to the government’s initial proposal.

A student at the University of Leeds, Emma Jackson says “I think the ban is a good idea because vapes are not tailored towards people who are giving up smoking anymore, their main demographic is children. Although I do think they will still be sold under the counters illegally.”

Words By: Lana Conway