Are disposable vapes illegal?
Single use vapes cannot be sold or supplied in the UK. If you still see disposable vapes being sold in shops, online or locally, you can report it.
Disposable vapes are still being reported after the ban
Reports rose after the UK wide disposable vape ban, with people reporting products still being sold in shops, petrol stations, online and local retail spaces.
1 in 10
reports are related to disposable vapes since the ban June 2025
1 in 3
UK reports raise youth access concerns
6.3 million
vapes and pods are still thrown away every week.
2.2 million
single-use vapes are still being bought every week, despite the UK ban
Quick answer
A single use vape is a vape that cannot be reused properly. If it cannot be recharged or cannot be refilled, it should not be sold.
Useful details can include:
- Sold as ready to use then thrown away
- Cannot be recharged
- Cannot be refilled
- No replaceable pod, tank or coil where needed
- Still displayed behind the counter
- Sold online or through local delivery
What can you report?
Disposable vapes in shops
Products still displayed, sold behind the counter or offered when asked.
Disposable vapes online
Products advertised on websites, marketplace listings or local delivery accounts.
Petrol stations and mixed retailers
Reports may involve petrol stations, corner shops, phone shops or mixed retailers.
Products sold to children
Sales through Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, websites, group chats or local delivery.
Still not sure what to report?
What about high puff vapes?
A high puff claim can be a warning sign, but it is not proof on its own. Check whether the product is r
Do I need proof?
No. A shop name, product, price, photo, online listing or pattern can still help.
Learn more about illegal tobacco and vapes
Find out how illegal products are sold, what signs to look for and how enforcement partners are tackling the issue.
Worried a child is being sold vapes or tobacco?
Learn what underage sales can look like and how to report concerns about children accessing products.
Cannabis, THC and synthetic cannabinoid vapes
Learn what to look out for when products are sold as THC, cannabis, HHC, spice or synthetic cannabinoid vapes.