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Big Puffs and the Big Ban
On the 29th of January 2024, the UK government announced plans to ban the sale of disposable vapes in the UK by April 2025, which they have recently changed to June 2025. Having a very short life span due to their small 600 puff count and limited battery life, they have been attributed to encouraging youth vaping and being harmful to the environment.
While Big Puff Vapes technically fall in the disposable category, they also don't simultaneously. Many Big Puff Vapes are rechargeable and allow pre-filled replacement pods to be swapped in and out, prolonging their life and reducing the harm disposables cause to the environment.
But how are they circumventing this incoming legislation and skirting TPD (Tobacco Product Directive) laws? First, we need to see what makes them so popular and what TPD actually is.
Big Puff Popularity
With these new laws soon into effect, Big Puff Vapes has skyrocketed in popularity. They have a much higher puff count than their smaller cousins and larger e-liquid tank capacities, so they last much longer.
While some are still one-and-done affairs, many devices are rechargeable and can have their pods switched out for pre-filled ones, meaning their longevity is extended even further.
They also provide a hassle-free approach to vaping. Everything is self-contained, meaning there are no messy refills or complicated coil changes to worry about. They also have a simple draw-activated mechanism so vapers can use them straight out of the box.
These features, as well as being relatively cheap, mean that Big Puff Vapes is quickly becoming the go-to “disposable” device for many vapers in the UK. With all the fan-favourite flavours of regular disposables, their no-hassle design makes them ideal for new and old vapers alike, as well as those constantly on the move.
What is TPD?
TPD stands for Tobacco Product Directive. It’s a set of regulations that aim to improve the tobacco market and protect consumers.
They enforce the standard and quality of vaping devices and e-liquids and ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavoured tobacco.
The requirements e-cigarette products must meet to pass TPD tests are as follows:
E-cigarette tanks must be restricted to a capacity of no more than 2ml.
The maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid for sale in one refill container must be no more than 10ml.
E-liquids must have nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml
Nicotine-containing products or their packaging are required to be child-resistant and tamper evident.
Vape products must not contain certain ingredients including colourings, caffeine and taurine.
They must include new labelling requirements and warnings.
All e-cigarettes and e-liquids are required to be notified and published by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) before they can be sold.
These requirements are put in place to make sure vape products are sold to the correct people (i.e no one under the age of 18) and to guarantee they are safe to use.
How are Big Puffs getting around it?
Now, if you’ve done your research on Big Puff Vapes (you should read our “What are Big Puff Vapes?” blog if not) you’ll know that they have much larger tank capacities than 2ml, so how are they circumventing these laws? Let’s take a look at the loopholes.
Loopholes
Utilising Non-Nicotine E-liquids - By using e-liquid that has no nicotine in it, Big Puffs fall outside of TPD rules, meaning that manufacturers can create devices that have far larger tank capacities and aren’t limited by the 2ml rule. These non-nicotine varieties are legal, but they’re also being marketed alongside their nicotine-included partners which has caused some confusion with customers.
Multiple Pods and/or Chambers - With the 2ml rule binding a lot of companies, some manufacturers have found a clever work around. By designing devices that can hold multiple 2ml pods, they can technically claim that their product only has a 2ml capacity, even though it has more than one 2ml pod. This loophole has caused some eyebrows to be raised about how strictly the 2ml rule is enforced.
Unregulated Imports - With the sudden surge in popularity, the demand for Big Puffs has meant that they’re entering the country fast, and in large quantities. This naturally means that some devices that legally shouldn’t be here are making it into UK stores without the proper oversights. Yes, this is illegal, but due to the incredible demand and the speed in which these devices are being distributed, some are slipping through the cracks.
False Marketing - The marketing of these devices is, in some cases, omitting certain information such as e-liquid capacity or the nicotine strength of the product. Instead, the long battery life and high puff count is pushed to draw in customers and the true compliance is overlooked. Without fully disclosing this information, it can make enforcement challenging.
The Risks of Big Puffs
Like with all nicotine-delivery products, Big Puff Vapes come with their own risks, but due to the grey area they lie in, there are more things to watch out for.
Non-Compliance—If Big Puff Vapes does not comply with UK TPD laws, it could face future bans or fines. Customers risk unknowingly purchasing unregulated or illegal products that could pose a danger to their health.
Health Risks—Product safety is paramount with vape devices, and manufacturing standards should always be met. If a unit is unregulated or flat-out illegal, it may not meet the safety or quality standard required by the TPD, meaning it could be a potential health risk.
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Environmental Concerns—As with regular 600-puff devices, Big Puffs' disposable nature is also called into question. While consumers may feel their longer lifespan reduces harm to the environment, once they are used up, they’ll still be disposed of, end up in landfills, and contribute to electronic waste.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Regular disposable vapes will be gone from shelves come June 2025, and while Big Puff Vapes has its workarounds, with so much uncertainty regarding unregulated imports and false marketing, only time will tell if it will survive the cull of single-use devices.
If you are a single-use user and are worried about whether you'll be able to continue vaping after the ban, Ecigone can help. Our range of Pod Vape Kits and Vape Beginner Kits are perfect for disposable users to transition into. Free Next Day UK Delivery on all orders over £30, you can continue your vaping journey safely knowing that your new favourite products won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Big Puff FAQ
When are Disposable Vapes being banned in the UK?
The UK government is planning to ban the sale of disposable vapes in June 2025.
Are Big Puff Vapes legal in the UK?
At the moment, yes, Big Puff Vapes are legal in the UK as long as they comply with TPD regulations. Some brands have workarounds for the 2ml max capacity rule, allowing for multiple 2ml pods in one device and many are rechargeable, allowing for continued use of the device.
I use Disposable Vapes. What should I do if I want to continue vaping?
Until June 2025, you’ll still be able to purchase disposable 600 puff vapes in the UK. After that though, it’s worth thinking about switching to a refillable device. Pod Vape Kits, AIO devices and Vape Beginner Kits are perfect for this, allowing you a smooth transition to refillables, with an even wider range of flavours available thanks to the 10ml nic salt e-liquid bottles.
How old do I have to be to purchase vape products in the UK?
You must be 18 years or older to legally purchase vape products in the UK.
Where can I learn more?
Need more questions answered? Try the live chat service on the Ecigone website by clicking the little green bubble in the right hand corner, or if speaking to someone is more your thing, call us on 01246 260010. Alternatively you can head over to the “ Contact Us ” section of the website to send us a message. We’ll always aim to get back to you as soon as possible!
Sam Wareing
Sam, the lead content writer at Ecigone, has spent the past five years crafting content across various industries. As an avid vaper and a dedicated nicotine pouch user, he is passionate about thoroughly researching and using the products he writes about. Sam is a strong advocate for helping people transition from smoking to vaping.
