EXCLUSIVE: Vape suppliers refuse to commit to takebacks 

Many leading vape suppliers and distributors have refused to commit to taking back stock following an expected 1 April 2025 ban on disposable vapes. 

Better Retailing approached major disposable vape manufacturers and distributors to ask whether they had plans for a takeback scheme. 

This included Elfbar, SKE Crystal, IVG, Vapes Bars, Phoenix 2 Retail, Aquavape and United Vapes, which is part of United Wholesale Scotland. 

Only United Vapes confirmed it would take back unsold stock, with managing director Chris Gallacher telling Better Retailing: “We’re working with three of the biggest UK distributors, and we’ve already had good discussions around what we’ll do. 

“It’ll be the same as when tobacco plain packaging came in. We’ll communicate widely to our customers, they’ll bring stock back to us and we’ll have uplift from the distributors.” 

Elfbar did not commit to a takeback scheme. A spokesperson instead responded: “Elfbar is committed to working closely with its manufacturer and retail partners to ensure compliance with potential upcoming regulations and guidelines as issued by the government. 

Government sets date and penalties for disposable vape ban in draft regulation

“We will keep monitoring the situation and provide guidance and support to our retailers in line with the evolving requirements.” 

Aquavape acknowledged retailer concerns, but stressed shop owners would have no issue selling through stock. 

Draft legislation on a disposables ban under the previous Conservative government was going to be pushed through Parliament, but this was disrupted due to the General Election.

The new Labour government, who has supported a disposables ban, is still yet to push a ban through Parliament, but is expected to do so in September. This will either be in its current form or with amendments.

This means the initial 1 April ban set by the previous government could change, but the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) suggested the date would still be likely.

Director general John Dunne told Better Retailing: “I am not aware of any specific industry takeback scheme, but the [government] said there will be a transition period of at least six months prior to enforcement of the of the legislation to allow businesses time to run down stocks. 

“The disposables ban was originally due to start from April 1, 2025 and, as far as I am aware, that is still the date that is on the table.

“While individual manufacturers or distributors may decide to take back unsold stock at the end of this period, the UKVIA is not aware of any that have announced they will do so. 

“The UKVIA recommends retailers prepare for this ban now and talk to their suppliers to ensure that they are not left with excess stock to sell.” 

Although suppliers and distributors have not committed to a take back scheme, Better Retailing understands they are examining what the Labour government intends to do first.

A spokesperson from the Independent British Vape Trade Association said: “Provisions within the draft single use vapes ban published back in March, including any sell through period, have yet to be formalised or voted through Parliament, and so are not yet law. 

“Retailers will understandably need clarity from their suppliers. However, there is currently no direction on timescales from the new government and the IBVTA is unaware of any such commitment in writing or otherwise.

“In the absence of any concrete detail on these matters, it is very hard for suppliers to commit to plans to manage the removal of these products from the market and there is certainly no way of knowing if a takeback scheme will even be necessary. The environmental impact, as well as business impacts of requiring takeback will need to be considered. Environmental legislation is being used to enact the ban, so it would seem perverse not to minimise the impact of its enactment.

“The IBVTA will continue to work with the relevant government departments and authorities to ensure suppliers have the guidance and support they need to comply with any new rules, and to ensure a smooth transition for retailers.”

While retailers have reported customers switching from disposables to pods, a representative from the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine told Better Retailing there was little consumer awareness of the upcoming disposables ban, suggesting demand for disposables is likely to continue all the way up to the ban in eight months. 

Several retailers raised concerns about the lack of clarity from suppliers. Kaual Patel, of Nisa Torridon in Lewisham, south-east London, said: “Retailers could be left with thousands of pounds-worth of stock, so there are potential storage and cash-flow issues. It’s a highly profitable category, so retailers will have stocked up.”