The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging retailers to begin preparations for selling through disposable vaping products ahead of a ban, set to come into force in Wales and Scotland on 1 April next year.
From that date, the only vaping products that will be legal for sale in Wales and Scotland will be those that are refillable and must be rechargeable. Under the previous Government, proposals were put forward to ban disposable vapes on 1 April 2025, with details broadly in line with the rest of the UK, but the current it has not yet confirmed an implementation schedule. The ACS has written to officials, urging the Government to provide clarity on timescales for the introduction of the regulations.
The ACS is currently developing more detailed guidance for retailers on the implementation of the ban on disposable vapes, which will be available soon. Existing guidance on selling legitimate vaping products and preventing underage sales is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/selling-vapes
It is also reminding retailers of their responsibilities when it comes to vape recycling. All retailers who sell vaping products have a responsibility to provide a facility for customers to bring back used or unwanted vapes. At a minimum, they must provide a recycling facility on a one-for-one basis, meaning a retailer only has to accept a vape for recycling if the customer is purchasing a new one. Many retailers will opt to provide a bin or container for anyone to return their vapes, which is also permitted.
More details on vape recycling are available here: https://cdn.acs.org.uk/public/ACS%20Vape%20Recycling%20Guidance%20(Apr%2024%20Update).pdf
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