Sale and supply legislation published.
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland is
due to come into effect on 1 April 2025, under proposed
legislation published today.
The move takes forward the recommendation to ban single use vapes
from a consultation on ‘Creating a Smokefree Generation and
Tackling Youth Vaping’, which ran across Scotland, England, Wales
and Northern Ireland last year.
The draft legislation, which is open for consultation until 8
March, is being taken forward in Scotland using powers under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990. And, while separate
legislation on banning the sale and supply of single use vapes
will need to be introduced by each nation, the governments have
worked together to agree on a date for when the ban will come
into force, to provide certainty for businesses and consumers.
Circular Economy Minister, said: “Legislating to ban the
sale and supply of single-use vapes fulfils a Programme for
Government commitment to reduce vaping among non-smokers and
young people and take action to tackle their environmental
impact.
“The public consultation demonstrated that there is strong
support for tougher action on vaping. From causing fires in waste
facilities to more than 26 million disposable vapes being
consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the past year, single-use
vapes are a threat to our environment as well as to our public
health.
“These proposed changes to the law demonstrate our absolute
commitment to further improve the wellbeing of communities and
protecting our beautiful natural environment.”
Background
The draft regulations are open
for consultation until 8 March 2024.
The ban on single-use vapes is being taken forward using powers
under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This approach has
been used in the past to ban other items such as microbeads,
cotton buds and single use plastics. Regulations will be
introduced to the Scottish Parliament before the summer.
The Scottish Government will continue to work with the UK
Government and other nations in relation to the ban on disposable
vapes, including addressing the need for any exclusion from the
UK Internal Market Act through the Resources and Waste Common
Framework.
Zero Waste Scotland estimates that up to 26 million disposable
vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year,
with 10 per cent being littered and more than half disposed of
incorrectly. With millions of vapes littered every year, there is
a significant and increasing cost to local authorities through
litter clear up and waste management. Where vapes are incorrectly
disposed of, the batteries increase risk of fires at waste
centres and on collection vehicles that can damage equipment paid
for by the taxpayer or even be a risk to personal safety.
Legislation raising the tobacco age of sale, will initially be
taken forward via UK-wide legislation and requires a Legislative
Consent Motion (LCM).
