BUSINESSES across Devon are being reminded by Trading Standards to ensure that they are ready for when the ban on disposable vapes begins on June 1.

And if traders are unsure of what it means for their business , they should look at the guidance published on the Government’s website.

From 1 June 2025, single-use (disposable) vape products will be banned in the UK, as the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) Regulations 2024 takes effect.

The aim of the ban is to reduce plastic waste and promote more sustainable vaping options.

The new regulations define a single use vape as a product that is ‘neither designed nor intended to be reused’.

It includes devices that are refillable but not rechargeable, devices that are rechargeable but not refillable and devices with non-replaceable coils.

The ban applies to all single-use vaping devices, including zero-nicotine, CBD and health or vitamin devices.

The ban applies to all importers, retail outlets, vaping product manufacturers, wholesalers, convenience stores, market stalls, petrol stations, specialist vape shops and supermarkets.

Councillor Simon Clist, DCC’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: ‘If you still have stock, you cannot sell or supply them from Sunday and under the new rules you will need to separate them from other goods, remove them from your shop floor and arrange for them to be collected by a registered vape recycling service’.

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards said: ‘The ban was announced some time ago and there is no transition period: from June 1 the ban will take effect and will be enforceable.

‘If you are unsure, please refer to Government guidance on their website’.