November 2025 marks five months since the disposable vape ban transformed the UK vaping market. With new taxes confirmed for October 2026, understanding the current legal landscape is essential for retailers and consumers.
This guide covers the legislation affecting vaping in the UK, what's changed since June, and what businesses need to do to stay compliant.
The disposable ban is a vital step, but without stronger enforcement and taxation, youth vaping rates will remain high. — Deborah Arnott
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Current Law
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduced these changes:
Disposable Vapes Ban As of 1 June 2025, selling or supplying single-use vapes is illegal across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Age Restrictions All vape products, including nicotine-free, can only be sold to individuals aged 18 and over.
Enhanced Powers Trading Standards officers can issue fines and confiscate illegal stock on the spot.
Potential Minimum Pricing Discussions in Parliament about a £30 minimum price for vape kits aim to reduce youth access.
|
Legislative Change |
Effective Date |
Impact |
|
Disposable Vape Ban |
1 June 2025 |
Illegal to sell single-use vapes |
|
Age Restriction 18+ |
Already in effect |
Applies to all vape products |
|
Potential Minimum Price |
Pending |
Could set £30 base for kits |
Environmental and Public Health Goals
The disposable vape ban serves two purposes:
Reduce Youth Vaping ASH reports that 20.5% of UK children aged 11-17 had tried vaping in 2025.
Cut Plastic and Battery Waste DEFRA estimates that 5 million disposable vapes were discarded weekly before the ban.
We are determined to protect children from nicotine addiction and address the environmental scourge of disposable vapes. — Public Health Minister
Each disposable vape contains a lithium battery that can leach toxic chemicals into soil and water. The plastic casing often ends up in oceans, contributing to microplastic pollution.
The 2026 Vape Tax: Confirmed Details
From 1 October 2026, the UK will implement "Vaping Products Duty" at £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid (22p per ml), regardless of nicotine content.
Key Points:
- Smaller sizes taxed proportionally (2ml pod incurs £0.44 duty)
- Both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquids subject to tax
- No plans for additional taxation on hardware for October 2026
- VAT (20%) applies on top of retail price along with new duty
- 6-month sell-through window until March 2027
Expected Price Impact
|
E-Liquid Volume |
Added Tax |
Estimated Industry Prices |
|
10ml |
£2.20 |
£6.99-£9.99 |
|
100ml |
£22.00 |
£39.99-£49.99 |
|
10ml refill and 2ml pod |
£2.64 |
£9.99-£14.99 |
Ecigone will work to keep prices as low as possible and under industry rates.
Compliance Requirements
From June 1, 2025:
- Remove all disposable vapes from sale
- Enforce Challenge 25 ID policy
- Audit stock for compliance
For 2026 Vape Tax:
- Update POS systems for tax rates
- Display tax breakdowns on receipts
- Train staff to explain price changes
The age restriction extends to online sales, requiring digital ID verification systems to prevent underage purchases.
Market Shifts Post-Ban
The ban has triggered several trends:
- Rise in refillable devices and prefilled pod systems
- DIY mixing interest due to tax pressures
- Cross-border purchases from EU countries
Summary
The vaping landscape has changed significantly. The disposable ban is in full effect, and the October 2026 vape tax will add £2.20 per 10ml to e-liquid prices.
Retailers must remove all disposables, enforce age verification, and prepare for tax implementation. The market has shifted toward refillable devices and prefilled pod systems as legal alternatives.
Despite these changes, vaping remains less harmful than smoking and, even with the tax, more affordable than cigarettes. Businesses and consumers who adapt to these regulations will navigate the changes successfully.
