Starting in 2025, the United Kingdom will implement a ban on disposable vapes to address environmental concerns and the rise of teen users. Due to their colorful designs and flavors, these products have gained popularity among young people. The ban aims to halt these trends and address environmental issues associated with disposable vapes.
In an effort to curb environmental damage and combat rising vape usage among teenagers, the UK government plans to ban single-use vapes starting in 2025.
This announcement was made by a government minister on Thursday.
Health authorities have expressed concern over the appeal of these vapes to young people, noting that their vibrant designs and fruity flavors attract attention on store shelves.
A 2024 survey by health charity ASH found that approximately one in five children aged 11-17 had tried vaping.
It's currently illegal to sell nicotine e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 or purchase them on behalf of minors.
The initial proposal to ban disposable vapes came from the former Conservative government in January but wasn't enacted prior to the July election, which saw the Labour Party take power.
Labour's culture minister highlighted the tripling of youth vaping rates over three years and the environmental issues caused by disposable vapes.
'We have been increasingly concerned,' she shared with Sky News, emphasizing the hope that the ban will disrupt the cycle of young people starting to vape.
The Department For Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) did not offer immediate details on the policy to Reuters, though reports suggest the ban will be effective from June.
Notably, a separate study by ASH indicates that nearly 3 million Britons have quit smoking using vapes in the past five years, marking vapes as a leading quit aid among tobacco users.