Single-use vapes ban

The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 comes into force on 1 June 2025, banning the supply of single-use vape products across Scotland.

The new regulations address the environmental and public health challenges posed by disposable vapes.

Businesses across Inverclyde are encouraged to review their stock and prepare for these changes. 

What does the ban mean?

Under The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, a single-use vape is defined as a device that:

  • Is not designed to be refilled
  • Is not designed to be recharged, or
  • Meets both criteria above.

This ban applies to both in-store and online sales. It covers all products classified as single-use vapes.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published a comprehensive guide for distributors, suppliers, and retailers to help businesses understand their responsibilities under the ban. The guide includes:

  • The definition of single-use vapes.
  • Practical steps to transition to compliant products.
  • Enforcement measures and potential penalties for non-compliance.

Access the DEFRA guidance using the Other Websites section on this page.

Steps for businesses to take now

  • Review their stock and identify products that will no longer be sold legally.
  • Stop buying new stock of single-use vapes; sell through all existing stock.
  • Only buy vapes from reputable sources that follow the new regulations.
  • Train your employees about the new requirements and compliance expectations.
  • Arrange for the environmentally responsible disposal of any unsold single-use vapes.

From 1 June 2025, it is an offence to have disposable vaping products in your possession for sale. Any leftover disposable vaping products must be:

  • Stored in stock rooms, away from the shopfloor, and
  • Separated from other goods, securely wrapped, and clearly labelled, they are waiting to be collected for disposal and are not for sale.

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement of the ban in Scotland will be carried out by local Trading Standards teams. Businesses found in violation may face:

  • Seizure of non-compliant products.
  • A fixed Penalty Notice of at least £200.
  • Criminal prosecution with fines of up to £5000.

Additional measures are being put in place through the Crime Stoppers charity, which has published a website and campaign to combat the illegal sale and distribution of illicit vapes in liaison with public sector agencies and partners.

Access the Crime Stoppers website using the Other Websites section on this page.

Why this ban matters

Single-use vapes are difficult to recycle and typically end up in landfills, where their batteries can leak harmful waste like battery acid, lithium, and mercury into the environment. Batteries thrown into household waste also cause fires in bin lorries and waste-processing centres. Defra estimates almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown into general waste each week last year.

More information

For questions or support, please contact Inverclyde Council Trading Standards:

  • Email: TradingStandards@inverclyde.gov.uk