The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has released an expanded version of its "Selling Vapes Responsibly" guide to help retailers prepare for the disposable vape ban taking effect on June 1, 2025, Convenience Store reported on November 18.
The guide, developed in collaboration with the Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards, offers reliable compliance advice for retailers. It helps vape shops and other retailers understand how to meet the new regulatory requirements.
Under the updated rules, effective June 1, 2025, only rechargeable and refillable vapes will be legally sold, with disposable vapes banned. Unsold disposable vapes must be properly disposed of after the ban.
Retailers caught selling disposable vapes after the ban will face a fixed penalty of £200 and may be subject to further enforcement action if violations continue.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said the introduction of a ban on disposable vapes next year will have a significant impact on the thousands of retailers currently selling these products.
“We have produced this guide to help retailers with the transition and ensure that nobody falls on the wrong side of the law on June 1st," said James.
"It is important that any retailer selling vapes not only prepares themselves for the change, but also communicates with customers on the implications of the ban to avoid any potential confrontations or flashpoints in store," he said.
The guidelines outline retailers' responsibilities for recycling vapes, including the proper collection, storage, and disposal of used devices, as well as arranging regular pickups. They also offer strategies for identifying illegal products, preventing sales to minors, and implementing the Challenge 25 system to support staff in verifying customers' ages.
For further information, visit the official guide at: acs.org.uk/advice/selling-vapes
