It will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply all single use or disposable vapes. This applies to all vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine.
Businesses will still be able to sell or supply reusable vapes, but they must have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil and wadding and be refillable.
The regulations have been brought in because these vape products represent a wasteful use of valuable resources, contribute to plastic pollution and are a potential fire risk when they end up in landfill sites because of their lithium batteries.
Kent Trading Standards Operations Manager Jim Whiddett said Kent’s Vape Team has been busy raising awareness of the ban, making shopkeepers aware of the new rules.
He added: “From Sunday, vapers will need to opt for the more sustainable alternatives, which could actually be more cost effective for them in the long run.
“The onus is on retailers and any that try their luck with an under-the-counter sale must accept it’s not worth it. We have a really strong network across our Kent high streets, built over many months, which supports responsible retailing. Anything outside of that won’t be tolerated.”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services Paul Webb said: “We have been doing everything we can to support businesses who need advice or who have questions about these new regulations so that they operate within the new rules. Our dedicated proactive Vapes Team is doing an excellent job.
“Disposable vapes are not only an environmental hazard because of littering, but they also introduce harmful substances into the soil, rivers and streams, and cause harm to wildlife. They are a fire risk if not disposed of correctly.
“I feel disposable vapes have often been brightly coloured with sweet-like flavours and appearances clearly marketed at children and young people.”
“As vapes are a relatively new product, their long-term health impacts aren’t known. So my advice is - if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”
KCC Director of Public Health, Anjan Ghosh said:
“Vapes can serve as an effective tool in helping adults to quit smoking, and those who smoke are encouraged to switch to reusable vapes and to access the support services provided by the One You Kent Stop Smoking Service to work towards a healthy future away from cigarettes.
“However vapes aren't risk free. They contain nicotine, which is addictive, and short-term side effects reported from using them include coughing, dizziness, sore throats and headaches.
“As vapes are a relatively new product, their long-term health impacts aren’t known. So my advice is - if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”
Report a retailer
You can report counterfeit products, underage sales and sales of single use vapes being sold after 1 June 2025 to:
- vapes@kent.gov.uk
- Citizens Advice consumer service
- CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. You'll stay 100% anonymous, always.
