Disposable Vape Ban: What Retailers Need to Know:

The UK government has released crucial guidance on the upcoming ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1st. This new information clarifies what constitutes a single-use vape, who will be affected, and the penalties for non-compliance.

Published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the guidance provides a clear definition of disposable vapes and outlines which vape devices will remain legal for sale after June 1st. To help retailers navigate these changes, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a dedicated website where retailers can verify the legality of specific devices. See here: https://cms.mhra.gov.uk/ecig-new

Retailers in Scotland who continue to sell disposable vapes after the deadline face significant penalties, including fines of up to £5,000 and potential imprisonment of up to two years. DEFRA's guidance is clear: "If you’re found guilty of supplying, offering to supply, or having in your possession for supply single-use vapes, you’ll be subject on summary conviction to a fine of up to £5,000. On further conviction of these offences, you may face up to 2 years in prison or be subject to a fine, or both."

Suspected violations can be reported to your local Trading Standards service.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has expressed support for the new guidance, noting its alignment with information previously shared with members through their Assured Advice guide on selling vapes responsibly. See the guide here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/selling-vapes The ACS guide provides valuable resources for retailers, including tips on identifying illicit products, preventing underage sales, and utilising the Challenge25 policy.

PGMA is committed to supporting retailers through this transition. We encourage all retailers to familiarise themselves with the DEFRA guidance and the resources provided by the MHRA and ACS. Staying informed and compliant is essential for avoiding penalties and ensuring the responsible sale of vaping products.

For more information and support, please contact our team: call us on 0131 343 7607 or email us pgma@pgma.co.uk.