What are vapes?
Vapes (also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes) allow users to inhale nicotine through an aerosol commonly referred to as vapour, rather than smoke.
They work by heating a solution known as an e-liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine (the base liquids that carry nicotine and flavourings and create the vapour when heated).
One of our ongoing priorities is to tackle the sale of illegal vapes, those sold to under 18 year olds and unsafe and non-compliant products.
The illegal vape trade is often part of organised criminal activity and is linked to a range of other illegal trades including illegal tobacco and alcohol, counterfeit DVD production, people-trafficking and drug smuggling.
Single-use vapes
From 1 June 2025 it is illegal for businesses to sell, supply or have in their possession any single-use vapes.
Single-use vapes are not designed or intended for reuse. A vape is single-use if it either:
- has a battery you cannot recharge
- is not refillable
To be reuseable, a vape must have a:
- rechargeable battery
- refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid (such as a chamber, capsule, cartridge, pod or tank)
- removable and replaceable coil (if the vape contains a coil)
The ban applies to all online and in shop sales and includes all single use vapes whether or not they contain nicotine.
You can read more about what businesses need to do on GOV.UK, including:
- who the ban applies to
- definition of single-use and reusable vapes
- recycling vapes what to do with leftover stock of single-use vapes
How to spot an illegal vape
Things to look for to identify if a vape is illegal:
Check the health warnings
- In the UK, the health warning must cover 30% of the front and back of the pack
- The health warning must read "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance" - use of the word 'chemical' is only used in the USA market. In the UK, we use 'substance'.
Check for nicotine content
- The product must indicate the nicotine content and delivery per dose
- The maximum e-liquid capacity is 2ml
- The maximum nicotine strength is 20mg (2%)
Check the manufacturer details
Things to look out for are:
- Single stick devices that have the mouthpiece, tank and battery fixed together. The liquid and the coil are not accessible. Even if the device contains a USB port, suggesting that the battery can be recharged, it will still be illegal to sell or supply it.
- Devices that allow you to refill the tank and charge the battery, but where the coil is encased in the device and cannot be replaced. This kind of device is not reusable because once the coil has burnt out, it’s not possible to replace it with a new one.
- Devices that appear to be reusable but where it’s not possible for a user to separately buy the refill e-liquid, pre-filled pods or replacement coil (in your shop or anywhere).
Underage sales of vapes
By law you must be over 18 to buy vapes or e-cigarettes. Under proposed laws making their way through parliament, this age restriction will rise each year, making it increasingly difficult for young people to purchase these products. Furthermore, there will be new restrictions on flavours and packaging, and increased controls over the way such products are being displayed in shops.
Trading Standards carries out ongoing underage test purchasing operations to test the systems and procedures in shops to ensure they are effective in preventing the sale of these products to young people. We use Intelligence from the public to direct these activities.
Find out more about young people and vaping on the NHS website.
Proxy purchase of tobacco and vapes
An adult who buys or attempts to buy tobacco, cigarette papers or vapes on behalf of someone under-18 years old commits an offence. This is called 'proxy purchasing'.
It is the buyer and not the trader who commits an offence under these circumstances.
Be aware of young people loitering outside your premises. They may ask adult customers to buy tobacco, cigarette papers or vapes for them. It is advisable to refuse such sales.
Report concerns about illegal vape sales
You can report someone for selling illegal vapes, or vaping products to those under the age of 18 years, to us by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Safe use and disposal of vapes
How to use your vape safely
- Buy e-cigarette devices from reputable retailers.
- Look out for the CE or UKCA mark that indicates the manufacturers’ claim that the vape complies with European Safety standards.
- Follow the instructions for use carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
- Only use the chargers that came with the device.
- Never leave e-cigarettes charging unattended or on overnight.
- Do not modify your vape and use only approved replacement parts.
- Never let your battery come into contact with metal items such as coins or keys in a pocket or bag, as this can cause a short circuit and explosion.
- Always make sure that e-liquids are out of reach of children and pets.
- Never use vapes or e-cigarettes close to medical oxygen or where emollient creams or airflow mattresses are being used.
Recycling vapes
Vapes contain batteries which can cause fires if placed in any of your bins and should be disposed of responsibly.
Vapes can be recycled in the small domestic appliance container at any Suffolk Recycling Centre with and without removal of batteries. Ensure that they are free from any E-Liquid.
Empty e-cigarette cases (without batteries) can be disposed of in your rubbish bin.
If you sell vapes, you must offer a 'take back' service. This means you must accept vapes and vape parts (such as used pods, coils or batteries) that customers return for recycling.
This includes any single-use vapes returned by customers after the ban began on 1 June 2025.
Vapes are electrical items, whether they are single-use or reuseable. This means they are covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards may take action against you if you do not have a way to safely recycle vapes and vape parts.
Unsafe storage of vapes or improper disposal is a fire risk. Vapes should be disposed of in vape bins only and regularly collected for recycling.
