In June 2025, the Government banned the stocking and sale of single-use and disposable vapes in the UK. You can read our guide to what vapes are legal and illegal in the UK.
Many vape shop owners are wondering what is and isn’t allowed following this new legislation. And one question that keeps coming up is: Do vape shops now have to sell reusable pods alongside their reusable vapes?
In this post we’ll take a closer look at the law, alongside some further challenges that vape shop owners are facing in the wake of the ban.
If you sell vapes, either online or offline, we can help you get the specialist vape insurance you need at a price you can afford. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9080 or email ecig@anthonyjones.com.
Do Vape Shops Have to Sell Reusable Pods?
The Government guidance on the single-use vape ban states:
“Refills (pods or e-liquid refill bottles) should be separately available for users to buy.”
Some seem to have taken this to mean that vape shops have to sell reusable pods. But this is not the case. There is no law that says that vape shops are required to sell reusable pods.
These lax rules may be causing some issues: If a vape shop doesn’t sell reusable pods, then will the customers simply treat their reusable vapes as single-use vapes? If they can’t top them up, will they simply dispose of their vapes after use?
Why You Should Stock Reusable Pods
Shortly before the vape ban came into law, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) released some guidance for retailers. This guidance clarified:
“Refills for any vape devices sold must be available on the market, but they do not need to be sold at the same place that the device itself is sold. It is however good general practice to be able to provide both the device and refills to customers.”
Stocking refills in the form of pods or e-liquid will make it easier for your customers to reuse their vapes, making it less likely that they’ll dispose of perfectly reusable vapes once they’re empty.
Stocking refills could also increase your profits, as otherwise your customers will have to go to your competitors for their refills. Plus, as the ACS points out, offering refills along with your reusable vape will help to demonstrate to any potential inspectors that you’re complying with the new law.
How to Encourage Your Customers to Reuse Their Vapes
As well as stocking refills, there are other things you can do to encourage your customers to stop treating reusable vapes as disposable vapes:
- You could run some special offers, such as a number of free refill pods with every reusable vape purchased, or a discount for customers who buy multiple refills at once.
- You could use social media, email, and other channels to offer clarity on this new law, and why it matters. Of course, many vape shop owners find the new laws a little confusing. But if you’re confused, then so are your customers!
- You could offer means for your customers to safely dispose of their old single-use vapes, perhaps with a discount on reusable vapes for any customer who recycles with you. Read our guide to safely disposing of single-use vapes here.
Specialist Insurance For Vape Shops
Joe Penny, Associate Director at Anthony Jones says:
“The ban on single-use vapes caused a lot of confusion over just what was required of retailers. It was always going to take a while for both retailers and customers to adjust. But now that the dust has settled a little, hopefully most vape shop owners have realised that they have a viable future in exclusively selling reusable vapes, and other associated products.
“Whatever the future holds for your vape business, we can help you get the specialist cover you need at an affordable price. The new law created a lot of uncertainty. But we’ll help you ensure that there’s no such uncertainty when it comes to your insurance.”
For more information about how we can support your vape shop, whether it’s online or offline, call us on 0208 290 9080 or email ecig@anthonyjones.com.
