Why are single-use vaporizers a problem?
Disposable vapes are the preferred vaporizer for kids because they are inexpensive and simple to use; in Great Britain, 69% of vapers between the ages of 11 and 17 currently use disposable vapes, an increase from 7.7% in 2021.
Disposable vapes have major environmental problems. Every week, more than 5 million disposable vape pens are discarded in regular garbage or left lying around. In the past year, this has increased fourfold.
For this reason, the governments of the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Wales plan to propose legislation to impose a ban on the distribution and sale of single-use vaporizers. In order to investigate an import ban, the UK government will collaborate with the devolved authorities.
When will it be illegal to use disposable vape pens?
Wales, Scotland, and England plan to enact laws as quickly as feasible. Any legislation that is proposed would have a minimum six-month implementation period, which accounts for the fact that businesses will need time to adjust.
What actions are being done in response to the possible emergence of a disposable vape illicit market?
The government has promised an additional £30 million in funding every year for enforcement agencies, including as HMRC, Trading Standards, and Border Force, in an effort to combat the illicit market and underage sales. This funding will help businesses execute the new standards.
Who will carry out this prohibition?
Within their local jurisdiction, Trading Standards will take the lead in enforcing the restriction.
Enforcement agencies are supposed to administer civil sanctions first, and if they are not followed, they may prosecute for a criminal violation that carries a fee only after the original civil sanction has been violated.
Do you really think that prohibiting disposable e-cigarettes will encourage adult smoking?
No. Adults who vape in a responsible manner will be allowed to keep doing so.
Because of the significant environmental impact of disposable vapes, we are not outlawing vapes in their entirety. Disposables should be banned to keep young people from obtaining them.
Refillable and reusable vapes will still be available to adult users.
What risks come with vaping for kids?
Vaping is never appropriate for kids. In the past three years, the number of minors using vapes has tripled, with disposables being mostly responsible for this growth. The data makes it abundantly evident that children should not use or be the target of vaping owing to the risks and potential negative effects. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has stated that disposable vaporizers need to be outlawed for this reason.
Most vapes contain nicotine as their main constituent, which is a highly addictive narcotic when inhaled. Because nicotine is addictive, vapers run the risk of developing a dependence on them, particularly if they use them frequently.
We are introducing safeguards in the Bill to limit vape flavours, displays, and packaging because we have a responsibility to safeguard minors from these possible risks. Disposable vapes will also be prohibited.
What about tastes, packaging, and vape displays in stores?
Children now find vapes to be very tempting goods due of their large selection of flavours, vivid colours, cartoon graphics, and prominent retail displays. Our new laws will give us the authority to control how vapes, their packaging, and their flavours are displayed.
Preventing the marketing of vaping to minors is the aim of addressing these concerns.
We intend to conduct more consultations over the particular measures before to exercising these authorities.
When will this be enforceable?
Regarding the ban on disposable vapes, we will propose the legislation as soon as possible this year, and it will take effect shortly after. The date of application will be specified in a statutory instrument, which we will draft using the authority granted by the Environmental Protections Act.
Separately, a new law will include expanded authority for tastes, location, and packaging. After that, the government will hold consultations to decide how to implement these new regulations.
Should you be experiencing any of the issues mentioned in this article, please contact us, and we will see what we can do to help with your situation.