UK Supermarkets Implement Varying Policies on Vape Sales Ahead of Government Ban

The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of single-use vapes across the country from June 1, 2025. The move aims to protect children’s health and reduce plastic littering, as over five million disposable e-cigarettes were discarded in 2023 alone. While retailers will still be permitted to sell refillable vapes, which doctors use to help people quit smoking, some supermarkets have already taken steps to remove certain vaping products from their shelves.

Supermarket Chains Adopt Different Approaches to Vape Sales

UK supermarkets have taken varied stances on the sale of vaping products:

Aldi:

Does not sell refillable or disposable vapes in any of its 1,020+ UK stores
Does not sell tobacco products

Waitrose:

Has never sold single-use e-cigarettes
Currently stocks refillable vapes
Supports the government’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes

M&S:

Does not sell any form of vape (single-use or refillable) in its branches
Does not sell tobacco products

Lidl:

Does not sell any type of vape (refillable or single-use) in its stores
Does not sell tobacco products

Co-op:

Currently sells various disposable vape brands on its website (Vuse, Cirro, Elfbar)
Has a policy restricting the sale of vape products and flavors that appeal to younger shoppers
Implements a “Challenge 25” policy, requiring ID for anyone who appears under 25

Tesco:

Sells a variety of vape brands on its website (Lost Mary, SKE)
Has not announced plans to ban vapes ahead of the legal requirement

Sainsbury’s:

Sells TEREA, Edge, and blu vapes on its website
Has not disclosed plans to ban vapes in the immediate future

Morrisons:

Stocks a range of vapes from Blu Bar, Vuse, Elf Bar, and Ivg
No current bans on vape sales or plans to introduce any in the near future

Asda:

Offers Blu bar, 88Vape, and Lost Mary vapes on its website
Did not respond to inquiries about plans to ban vapes earlier

Iceland:

Sells 88Vapes, Lost Mary’s, and Zillion brands on its website
Did not respond to requests for comment on potential early vape bans

These varying approaches demonstrate the different positions taken by UK supermarkets regarding the sale of vaping products, with some chains opting not to sell any form of e-cigarettes while others continue to offer a range of brands both online and in-store.

Also Read (a little bit different):
2023 Latest UK Vape Market Research Report

UK Vaping Regulations and Safety Guidelines

In the UK, it is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18. Laws also regulate the ingredients, nicotine strength, and tank capacity of e-cigarettes:

Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml
E-liquid bottle size: No larger than 10ml
Vape tank capacity: No more than 2ml
Nicotine-containing products must display health warnings
Leak-proof refilling mechanisms are required
Manufacturers must provide testing and toxicological data
Advertising must comply with restrictions

Also Read:
TRPR and TPD UK Regulations for Vaping Devices and E-Liquids

To ensure the purchase of legal vapes, consumers should:

Check for authenticity
Look for well-known brands
Be wary of unusually low prices
Ask retailers for proof of Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) compliance
Stay informed about the latest regulations and safety guidelines

Government Cites Health and Environmental Concerns as Reasons for Ban

The government’s decision to ban single-use vapes stems from growing concerns about the health risks posed to young people and the environmental impact of disposable vapes. Health Minister Andrew Gwynne expressed alarm at the fact that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds used a vape in the previous year, with disposables being the product of choice for most children who vape. Environment Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the need to end the throwaway culture and highlighted the waste of precious resources caused by single-use vapes.

The ban on single-use vapes is part of a broader smoking ban that will prohibit anyone born after January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes.

Author
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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.