At UK Vape Supply, one of the questions we’re asked the most at the moment is whether vapes will be getting banned. The simple answer to this is we don’t know. We do know that the government is proposing a crackdown on the sale of illegal vapes, how vapes are advertised and who they are targeted at. We fully support a plan to ensure vapes do not get into the wrong hands, and we plan to fully comply with any new guidance or legislation that comes into play regarding the sale of vapes. Until then, let’s take a look at what we DO know about the proposed vaping ban. 

Will vapes be banned?

Recent reports have revealed plans to implement new laws that would ban disposable vapes. The aim of these laws is to protect young people from becoming addicted to vaping.

Here's what we know so far:

• A consultation document was published on October 12 by the Government, outlining their plans for regulating vapes in a way that does not target children. This document seeks input on how vapes can be used as a quitting tool for smokers while making them less appealing to those under 18.

• There have been growing concerns about companies marketing vapes in an attractive and colourful manner to entice underage individuals. In early September, the Telegraph claimed to have seen evidence of plans to ban the sale of disposable vapes in shops as part of an effort to protect the health of UK children and combat nicotine addiction. However, these plans have not yet been officially released.

• The ban on single-use vapes has been welcomed by some, and the Welsh government has expressed its support. Health decisions are made at a devolved level in the UK, and the Welsh government has the authority to implement its own regulations.

• Labour's shadow secretary, Wes Streeting has criticised the Government for not taking action sooner and threatened to introduce strict regulations on the vaping industry if the Prime Minister does not act promptly.

Should vapes be banned?

Vaping has been a topic of increasing concern and debate among health professionals, policymakers, and the general public. With a surge in popularity among young people, concerns about potential health risks and addiction have prompted several countries to take action by implementing bans on vaping and vaping products. 

Recent data suggests that vaping has increased in popularity among young people in the UK, raising concerns about long-term health effects and potential addiction. According to the NHS, the number of young people vaping in the UK has more than doubled in the past four years, with 11% of 15-year-olds and 16% of 17-year-olds reporting having tried it. This has led to increasing calls for stricter regulations or even an outright ban on vaping.

Countries that have implemented vaping bans: 

Several countries around the world have already taken significant action to restrict or ban vaping and vaping products. See the full list of vaping ban countries at the bottom of this article:

• In 2019, India became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on all e-cigarettes. The government cited concerns about the impact on youth and the potential for addiction.

• Brazil also prohibited the import, sale, and advertising of vaping products in 2019. The ban aimed to protect public health and address rising concerns about the potential risks.

• Vaping has been entirely banned in Singapore since 2018, with strict penalties for those found using or possessing vaping devices.

• Although not a complete ban, Australia has implemented strict vaping regulations, restricting the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes without a prescription.

What is the UK's stance on vaping?

As of now, the UK has not implemented a complete ban on vaping and vaping products. The government believes that e-cigarettes are a viable tool for smokers seeking an alternative to traditional cigarettes, and Public Health England (PHE) has advocated for vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. 

However, there have been ongoing discussions surrounding stricter regulations to protect young people who may be vulnerable to the allure of vaping. The government recently launched a public consultation seeking views on the potential regulation of e-cigarettes, including the restriction of flavours and advertising particularly appealing to youth. While a complete ban has not been proposed, these measures could indicate a shift towards tighter controls or a possible compromise.

What does this mean for vapers?

While the possibility of a complete ban on vaping in the UK remains uncertain, concerns over the rising number of young people attracted to vaping have urged policymakers to review their regulation policies. The UK government appears cautiously supportive of vaping as a smoking cessation tool but is actively considering more stringent measures to protect vulnerable groups. As countries like India, Brazil, Singapore, and Australia have implemented significant restrictions or bans on vaping, it will be interesting to see how the UK's approach evolves to strike a balance between public health, harm reduction, and addressing potential health-risks associated with vaping.

Where in the world are vapes banned?

Planning a trip abroad? Here are all the countries that have imposed a ban on disposable vapes so far:

Europe

Turkey

Vatican City

*The UK and France have proposed the implementation of a ban on disposable vapes.

Asia

Bhutan

Brunei

Cambodia

Hong Kong

India

Iran

Iraq

Japan (vaping non-nicotine e-liquid is legal)

Kuwait

Laos

Lebanon

The states of Penang, Kedah, Johor, Kelantan in Malaysia

Korea

Nepal

Oman

Palestine

Qatar

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Syria

Taiwan

Thailand

Timor-Leste

Turkmenistan

Africa

Ethiopia

Gambia

Ghana (unless you have a prescription)

Mauritius

Seychelles

Uganda

Australia (unless you have a prescription)

Americas

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Brazil

Mexico

Nicaragua

Panama

Suriname

Venezuela

Uruguay