Despite clear rules, not a single UK vaping business has been fined or prosecuted for failing to meet their WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) responsibilities between 2022 and May 2024. Regulators, like the Environment Agency, admit they lack practical civil sanction options, even though offenders could technically face unlimited fines. Instead, efforts have focused on education through videos, retailer guides, and advisory programs.
However, industry leaders like John Dunne from the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) are saying that education alone isn’t enough. They want enforcement to bring real consequences, similar to the push for penalties on retailers selling vapes to minors.
Big Changes Coming: Disposable Vape Ban by June 2025
Mark your calendar—June 2025 is when the UK is banning disposable vapes, a move expected to cause waste management headaches and possibly supercharge the black market. Polling by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) predicts the ban will lead to a £645 million annual boost to illicit sales. With such risks, the industry is calling for stricter licensing requirements tied to environmental compliance to manage these challenges effectively.
The Environment Agency is also under fire for not requiring vape producers to clearly identify their roles (manufacturer, retailer, etc.), creating a gap in accountability that could get worse with the upcoming ban.
Stricter Licensing and Compliance: A Solution in Sight?
The UKVIA is proposing an overhaul: link licensing for vape products to environmental compliance. As outlined in the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, this could mean the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) only approves vape products from brands that are registered with compliance schemes.
John Dunne emphasizes the importance of knowing who’s behind the scenes—many compliance registrations are done by distributors or importers, leaving manufacturers unaccountable. The UKVIA is working closely with regulators to identify non-compliant businesses and take appropriate action.
Stay tuned as the government finalizes its consultation on reforming waste responsibility systems. Big changes are on the horizon for the vaping industry—and it’s about time we see some real accountability. For more updates, check out Vapouround’s news section!
