Trading Standards raising awareness of single-use vapes ban

Highland Council’s Trading Standards team is informing local traders that from 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of single-use vapes will be banned across the UK. Businesses in Highland are encouraged to review their stock and prepare for these changes to ensure compliance with the law.

David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Manager said: “Highland Council Trading Standards fully supports the ban on single-use vapes. This legislation is a crucial step towards reducing environmental harm and protecting public health. Single-use vapes contribute significantly to litter in our streets and parks and pose fire risks in waste and recycling facilities. By eliminating these single-use products, we are not only safeguarding our environment but also promoting responsible vaping practices. Our team is committed to ensuring compliance with this new regulation and supporting businesses through this transition.”

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 refillable, not rechargeable, or both.

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

Steps for businesses to take now

Businesses should:

• review their stock and identify single-use vapes
• stop buying new stock of single-use vapes
• sell all existing stock
• only buy vapes from reputable sources that follow the new regulations
• train their 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
• separated from other goods
• securely wrapped
• clearly labelled

Leftovers must be left waiting to be collected for disposal and not for sale.

Enforcement and Penalties

Highland Council Trading Standards will enforce the ban in Highland. 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

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

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 identify compliant products
• enforcement measures and potential penalties for non-compliance

Access the DEFRA guidance on the UK Government website.

Further advice for businesses seeking guidance on the law on single use vapes is available on our website.

Highland businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on trading.standards@highland.gov.uk.