DEFRA Urge Retailers To Deplete Stocks Of Vapes Ahead Of Fast-Approaching Ban

On Tuesday 1 April 2025, DEFRA released a press statement urging retailers to sell all stocks of single-use vapes, ahead of the legislative ban on their sale and supply entering into force on 1 June 2025.

DEFRA also released guidance for businesses preparing for the ban on 20 January 2025, which clarifies what is and isn’t a single use vape.

The guidance provides a definition of a reusable vape, as well as instructions on what business can sell and consequences for non-compliance.

From 1 June, consequences for non-compliance in England will include civil sanctions such as stop or compliances notices, along with a £200 fixed penalty, moving to an unlimited fine and up to 2 years’ imprisonment – or both – for continued breaches.

You can find the recent government press release here.