UK Government to Announce Disposable E-Cigarette Ban Details on Friday

According to Better Retailing's report on September 3rd, the UK government plans to announce the latest news on the proposed ban on disposable e-cigarettes this Friday (6th). This will put an end to retailers and suppliers speculating about the scope and timing of the expected legislation.

According to a source from a well-known e-cigarette distributor, the UK government will confirm the effective date of the ban as April 1, 2025. Several e-cigarette companies, including Phoenix 2 Retail and JUUL, have stated that they have not received any information from the government since the July elections, leaving the fate of previously postponed legislation uncertain.

A source stated that

We have received reliable information that the government will provide the latest update on the ban on disposable e-cigarettes this Friday, September 6th.

It is widely believed within the industry that the ban will take effect on April 1st and will be followed by a six-month grace period during which retailers must cease selling disposable e-cigarettes.

While the start date of the ban is expected to be confirmed on Friday, guidance on the definition of "disposable" e-cigarettes has been released ahead of time. However, Better Retailing has learned from e-cigarette distributors that they are still seeking clarification from the Trade Standards Bureau to avoid any ambiguity in the upcoming legislation.

A source confirmed that

Because this is a regulation, and regulations always have multiple ways of interpretation, we are submitting all products for compliance review to the Trading Standards Agency and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

The expected announcement will confirm that the Labour Party's version of the bill includes the same restrictions introduced by the previous Conservative government. Details on the powers to limit e-cigarette displays, packaging, and flavors, as well as maintaining the former government's "smoke-free generation" measures, will be disclosed by the minister at a later date and will enter a consultation phase. Additionally, government departments are looking to brief the minister on the benefits of an e-cigarette licensing system, a measure that was not considered by the previous Conservative government.

A spokesperson for the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) told Better Retailing that

The key point is that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes will be introduced through existing legislation, specifically through secondary regulations, while the tobacco and e-cigarette bill will be proposed through its own separate bill.