To pay single-use vape ban penalty charge, use the link above, select ‘miscellaneous’ from the list, select ‘Trading Standards’, then select ‘Single use vape ban related penalties & notices’.
Single-use vape ban
From 1 June 2025, it’s illegal to sell single-use (disposable) vapes under The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024. Disposable vapes waste valuable resources, are often discarded improperly, and can release harmful substances into the environment or pose fire hazards in landfill.
From 1 June 2025, any vapes you sell must:
- be rechargeable
- be refillable with e-liquid
- have a replaceable coil
Selling single-use vapes after 1 June 2025 is a criminal offence and you could be liable to enforcement action – please see below “Enforcement of non-compliance”.
What you need to do
If you have any leftover single-use vapes in stock on 1 June 2025, you need to:
- separate them from other goods
- label them as ‘NOT FOR SALE’
- remove them from your shopfloor or online store until they’ve been collected by a registered vape recycling service
Find out how to prepare for the single-use vapes ban – GOV.UK.
Big Puff and hybrid devices
Don’t assume a product with a higher capacity will automatically be compliant with the new regulations.
Over the past 18 months, new products have entered the market – many with higher capacity through pods or refill bottles attached to the device. However, some were designed before the new regulations and may not meet current requirements.
Many hybrid products only allow a single refill or don’t support coil replacement. In anticipation of the upcoming ban, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will begin removing notifications for products that will no longer be compliant. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check the MHRA portal for updates.
Protect your business
Use these resources to stay informed and compliant:
- join a trade association, such as the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) or the UK Vaping Industry Association.
- the MHRA has advice for retailers and producers on e-cigarette/vape products.
- see the detailed guide produced by the Association of Convenience Stores for retailers, with a poster to display in-store.
- watch this Business Companion video guide to vaping products by Trading Standards Officer.
- watch a guidance video about your responsibilities as a vape retailer on how to recycle vape products (available in 120 languages)
Age restricted sales
Vapes are age restricted products. Retailers must ensure their staff understand their legal responsibilities. Find out more about age restricted sales and what you need to do.
Enforcement of non-compliance
The consequences of not complying will lead to enforcement action with the seizure of non-compliant stock, and either a stop notice, compliance notice or a fine of £200. There are rights to appeal which will be explained to businesses at the time of issue. Further offences may then subsequently lead to prosecution with an unlimited fine and up to 2 years sentence.
View the enforcement guidance on the use of Fixed Monetary Penalties, Notices and other Civil Sanctions by Portsmouth City Council when enforcing the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024.
Reporting of enforcement actions under this legislation will be published on our website on an annual basis for each financial year.
Penalty charge
To pay a penalty charge following an offence under the single-use vape ban, you can pay in cash at the civic offices, or access our online payment portal (choose ‘miscellaneous’ from the list of options, then ‘Trading Standards’ > Single use vape ban).
Report an issue
If you’re concerned about vape sales or products, report them to:
- trading standards – Trading.Standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- contact the consumer service – Citizens Advice
Contact us
For more information, email trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or visit our Facebook page.