Vapes and the single use vape ban

To help reduce youth vaping and tackle environmental concerns, single-use vapes were banned on 1 June 2025.

Disposable vapes create a lot of waste. Many people don’t put them in the bin properly, and they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. They can end up starting fires, if they end up in one of our tips.

Legal vapes:

• are rechargeable
• are refillable with e-liquid
• have a replaceable coil.

Anyone selling single-use vapes is committing a criminal offence and could be liable to:

• stock being seized
• investigation
• enforcement action.

Read the Kent Enforcement Guidance (PDF, 123.3 KB).

‘Big Puff Devices’

Do not assume a product with a higher capacity is automatically compliant with the regulations.

Check the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) portal for updates.

Protect your business

• Sign up to KCC Trading Standards alert messages.
• Join a trade association like the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) which is the trade organisation for all responsible and ethical independent vape businesses in the UK, or the UK Vaping Industry Association.
• Use MHRA advice for retailers and producers of e-cigarette/vape products.
• Get involved in Local Vape Action (LVA). LVA brings organisations together to tackle youth vaping in local communities by making sure retailers follow the rules.

Email vapes@kent.gov.uk if you need further advice.

Selling age-restricted goods

It is up to businesses to ensure employees are aware of their legal obligations. In the UK, certain products come with legal age restrictions for sale.

Find out what you need to do if you sell age-restricted goods.

Report an issue

Consumers can report any issues concerning vapes by email vapes@kent.gov.uk or to Citizens Advice consumer service.

Or report anonymously to Crimestoppers: