May 2026: Germany Plans Ban on Disposable Vapes Over Fire, Environmental and Youth Concerns
German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has announced plans to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (single-use vapes), signaling upcoming legislation to be introduced later this year. The proposal is aimed at addressing environmental damage, fire risks, and concerns over youth nicotine use.
The ban would target single-use vaping products, which officials say are often improperly discarded and can cause fires in waste processing facilities due to their lithium-ion batteries. Authorities also point to broader environmental concerns linked to electronic waste and resource loss, as well as the growing popularity of these products among young people.
The initiative is part of a wider policy push that has already received political backing at the federal and regional levels. The German Bundesrat has previously supported restrictions on disposable vapes, and similar measures have already been implemented in several European countries, including Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom.
According to the current plan, refillable and reusable vaping devices would remain legal. The government is expected to submit a formal legislative proposal in the coming months, with the intention of enacting the ban during the current legislative cycle. While the measure has not yet become law, it reflects a clear policy direction toward phasing out disposable nicotine products in favor of more sustainable alternatives, with final implementation depending on parliamentary approval.
April 2026: Swiss Court Strikes Down Geneva Puff Ban, Highlighting Legal Tensions in Cantonal Crackdown
A Geneva court has annulled the canton’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”), underscoring the legal uncertainty surrounding Switzerland’s fragmented approach to regulating these products. The ruling overturns earlier efforts to enforce the prohibition, reflecting ongoing judicial scrutiny of cantonal authority in this area.
The decision comes amid a broader trend in Switzerland, where several cantons – including Geneva and Valais – have moved ahead with their own bans on disposable vapes in the absence of a clear federal framework. These measures were primarily justified on youth protection and environmental grounds, but have faced legal challenges from industry actors, particularly around whether cantons have the competence to ban products typically governed by federal law. In practice, this has created a patchwork regulatory environment: some cantons attempted to implement bans immediately, while courts have been asked to assess their legality, sometimes allowing enforcement to proceed temporarily and in other cases – such as Geneva – blocking or annulling measures.
The case highlights a key structural issue in Swiss tobacco and nicotine regulation: cantonal activism is moving faster than federal legislation, but remains exposed to legal uncertainty. A nationwide framework on disposable e-cigarettes is still expected, yet delays at the federal level have prompted cantons to act independently – leading to inconsistent enforcement and ongoing litigation.
March 2026: Poland to Pursue Ban on Disposable E‑Cigarettes in Tobacco Law Overhaul
The Polish government is set to review a draft amendment to its tobacco control legislation that would ban the sale of disposable e‑cigarettes, including both nicotine‑containing and nicotine‑free devices, as part of broader efforts to tighten regulation of novel nicotine products. The proposal, which will be discussed by the Council of Ministers, is part of an update to the country’s law on the protection of health from the consequences of tobacco use and would also introduce stricter controls on nicotine pouches and other emerging products. Officials say the move aims to reduce the appeal and use of single‑use vaping devices not only among minors but also among young adults, amid concerns about health impacts and environmental waste associated with disposable vapes.
In addition to banning disposables, the draft legislation would impose tighter restrictions on nicotine pouches, potentially limiting products to only those with tobacco flavour, and strengthen enforcement powers including independent testing of composition and releases. The initiative reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of the nicotine product market in Poland as authorities seek to curb usage and address public‑health priorities, though it has drawn criticism from some industry stakeholders.
November 2025: Germany plans to ban disposable vapes
Responding to pressure from the Bundestag, the Länder (states), and environmental associations, the German Federal Government announced a plan to ban disposable e-cigarettes. However, a full ban would require approval from the EU Commission.
The environmental argument is central to the disposable vape ban: an estimated 60 million disposable vapes are used in Germany every year, and many of these are not properly recycled. These devices typically contain plastics and lithium-ion batteries (valuable materials), which pose a threat to the circular economy as they are not recycled. Moreover, the lithium-ion batteries inside improperly discarded vapes are causing fires in recycling plants. The damage is estimated in the “high three-digit million” euros annually, costs that eventually end up being borne by consumers via waste fees.
Notwithstanding a complete ban, a major amendment to Germany’s Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act heightens the responsibility of manufacturers, requiring them to more rigorously support recycling, increase the use of secondary raw materials, and make products more durable. Retailers selling disposable vapes will also be compelled to set up collection points in their stores to take back used devices, making it more likely that they will be properly recycled. The revised Act is expected to come into force largely at the beginning of 2026.
November 2025: Geneva Begins Enforcement of Disposable Vape Ban
The Canton of Geneva has announced the start of inspections to enforce its ban on disposable e-cigarettes, known locally as “puffs.” Adopted by the Grand Council on August 29, 2025, the ban’s enforcement had been delayed pending appeals before the Constitutional Chamber of the Cantonal Court of Justice. Tobacco industry plaintiffs had sought to suspend the measure, but the court has now rejected their requests, confirming the law remains in force throughout the legal proceedings. Trade police will soon begin inspections, with retailers first receiving an official notice before checks commence.
The Canton of Valais began enforcing a similar ban on November 1, following a grace period after its May adoption. The Federal Supreme Court likewise declined to suspend enforcement, allowing the measure to proceed. At the national level, both parliamentary chambers have endorsed motions to prohibit disposable e-cigarettes. The Federal Council is now preparing draft legislation, paving the way for an eventual nationwide ban.
August 2025: Geneva (Switzerland) bans the sale of disposable e-cigarettes
The local parliament passed a law to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in Geneva with an emergency clause and immediate effect. Several other Swiss cantons have already passed a disposable vape ban (including Valais, Bern and Jura) or are in the process of enacting a ban (including Basel-Stadt, Ticino, Solothurn, Schaffhausen and Vaud).
A nationwide ban is also in the works. In June 2024, the House of Representatives adopted a corresponding motion with a clear majority. The Senate followed suit a year later. The federal government is requested to amend the Tobacco Products Act so that disposable vapes can no longer be sold in Switzerland.
June 2025: Philip Morris International challenges the diposable vape ban in Valais
Philip Morris International (PMI) challenged the disposable vape ban in canton Valais before the Federal Court. Since May 1, 2025, sale of disposable vapes was prohibited in the canton, a measure taken as part of the revision of the cantonal health law. PMI argues that the ban violates federal law and the division of powers between the Confederation (fedeal government) and the cantons. At the federal level, a motion to ban disposable vapes in Switzerland is in the works and was already adopted by the Council of States. Nevertheless, the proceedings before the Federal Court promise to be crucial in clarifying jurisdiction over public health.
June 2025: Bulgaria bans disposable vapes
Bulgaria’s National Assembly approved a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable (single-use) electronic cigarettes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. Lawmakers also limited the nicotine content of nicotine pouches and snus 20 milligrams nicotine per unit (pouch).
The new measures are part of a broader effort to restrict access to tobacco and nicotine-related products in public spaces, especially those frequented by minors. Additionally, Parliament extended existing restrictions on where tobacco and similar products can be sold. The updated legislation now includes not only traditional tobacco items, but also smokeless and novel tobacco products, as well as heated tobacco devices. These are prohibited from being offered or sold in and around nurseries, kindergartens, schools, student dormitories, healthcare facilities, and during sporting or public events aimed at children and students.
June 2025: Switzerland will ban single-use vapes
Following the National Council (lower house), Council of States (upper house) also approved the motion to ban disposable, single-use vapes in Switzerland. Consequently, the Federal Council (Goverment) will be instructed to amend the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes to prohibit the sale of disposable vapes. The Federal Council had initially opposed the motion, arguing that an outright ban could create technical barriers to trade and that Switzerland should not act in isolation. Nevertheless, the Ministery of Health eventually backed the proposal, citing the rising trend across Europe to ban single-use vapes. In Switzerland, the cantons of Jura, Valais, and Bern already have a ban on disposable vapes. Similar efforts are underway in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Ticino, Solothurn, Schaffhausen, Geneva, and Vaud.
Disposable vapes (“puff bars”) have been available on the Swiss market since 2020. Their ease-of-use, low price and availablity in a wide range of flavors are seen as appealing to the youth. Moreover, the products are often disposed of improperly, causing enviromental hazard. France, Belgium, United Kingdom and New Zealand already prohibit the sale of disposable vapes. Germany and Ireland are also considering a ban based on the same reasoning.
October 2024: England will ban sale and supply of single-use (disposable) vapes from June 1, 2025
New legislation to ban the sale of single-use vapes from June 1, 2025 is laid in the UK Parliament. The Government states that the public is in favour of the ban with 69% of consultation respondents supporting the proposals in February 2024. The ban aims to curb the rise in youth taking up vaping and to protect the environment from a tide of litter.
Protection of the youth: Vape usage grew by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British public now vaping. More worryingly, a quarter of 11-15-year-olds vape with the disposables being the product of choice for the majority.
Protection of the environment: Single-use vapes are not rechargeable or refillable, and are typically discarded as general waste in a bin or littered, rather than recycled – contributing to a flood of litter on the streets. Even when they are sent to recycling facilities, they usually have to be disassembled by hand – a slow and difficult process which will struggle to keep up with the pace of vape production. Their lithium-ion batteries can also present a fire risk to waste industry workers. Last year, it was estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK, almost four times as much as the previous year. In 2022, more than 40 tonnes of lithium from single-use vapes was discarded.
The UK Government presents the ban as a step on the road to a circular economy, where resources are used for longer, waste is reduced and the path to net-zero is accelerated. Moreover, the Government re-iterates its determination to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to pave the way for a smoke-free UK.
Wales already confirmed that disposable vapes will be banned from June 2025 in line with England. Scotland and Northern Ireland are also expected to follow suit.
September 2024: EU approves France’s disposable vape ban
The European Commission (EC) confirmed its decision to back France’s plan to ban disposable vapes (“puffs”) after six months of deliberation. France started the process to ban single-use e-cigarettes in December 2023 via a vote in the National Assembly. The proposal was supported by the French Senate in February 2024 and a joint committee took place in in March. 2024. The EC’s validation was the final step in moving forward with the ban1.
The next step is for Member of Parliaments and the Senate to vote definitively on the ban before it is formally put into effect. Although there is no set date, the ban is widely expected to come into force in the first half of 2025. In the neighbouring Belgium, the first country to receive the European Commission’s support in outlawing disposable e-cigarettes, the ban will be effective from January 1, 2025.
Disposable vapes first appeared on the French market in 2021 and have quickly become popular, especially among the youth, due to their affordability, ease-of-use, sweet & fruity flavours and flashy colours. According to the French anti-smoking federation ACT, 15% of teenagers aged between 13 and 16 have already used puffs, with almost half of them initiated nicotine use in this manner. Over the past two years, puffs has been drawing heavy criticism from both health and environmental groups.
June 2024: Switzerland is mulling over a disposable e-cigarette ban
Switzerland is set to ban disposable e-cigarettes. The House of Representatives voted in favor of a motion that will amend the Federal Act on “Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes” to ban disposable e-cigarette sales. The so-called “puff bars” are claimed to be attractive to the youth due to their sweet/fruity flavors and flashy colors. Moreover, adverse ecological impact and lack of research on the health effects are noted among the rationale for ban. The motion will move to the Senate next.
April 2024: The Philippines is considering to ban disposable vapes
The Philippines Government is considering to ban disposable vapes due to unregulated sales, tax evasion and health risks. The Finance Secretary also announced that they are monitoring retailers (including the online sites) selling unregistered (tax evaded) disposable vapes and they may impose penalties under the vape law, Republic Act 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act).
Disposable vapes are subject to a “sin tax” PHP52 ($0.92) per milliliter of e-liquid. They are retailed between PHP120-PHP450 ($2-$5) per device and claimed to last up to 9,500 puffs (~25 packs of cigarettes) – implying that disposable vapes are sold significantly below the “full tax compliance” level. A pack of traditional cigarettes is subject to a PHP63 excise tax ($1.1) and retailed between PHP88-PHP156 ($1.6-$2.75).
Meanwhile, nearly a hundred thousand members of the tobacco grower/farmer associations called on the national government to put in practice the vape regulations (RA 11900) to combat the surge in illegal, disposable vapes that are threatening their livelihoods. About 2.2Mn Filipinos financially depend on tobacco growing – with roughly 20% of whom are farmers & families2,3.
March 2024: The French parliament reached an agreement to ban disposable e-cigarettes
The French parliament reached an agreement to ban disposable e-cigarettes4. The prohibition is expected to come into force by the end of September 2024. The text was widely adopted by the National Assembly in December 2023 and then ratified by the French Senate in February 2024. As the final stage of the legislative procedure, members from both chambers convened in a joint committee and agreed on the final text.
The Bill still needs approval from the European Commission. The EC recently approved Belgium’s disposable e-cigarette ban while noting that “the proposed ban is justified, necessary and proportionate to the objective of protecting public health.”
March 2024: New Zealand will ban disposable vapes
New Zealand will ban the sale of disposable vapes, increase fines to retailers that sell vapes to those under 18 and review the licensing of vape retailers.
January 2024: The UK will ban disposable vapes
“Disposable vapes will be banned in the UK as part of government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping”, the UK Prime Minister announced. The recent figures show the number of children vaping has tripled in the past three years. Disposable vapes are seen as a key driver behind the rise in youth vaping as the proportion of 11 to 17-year-old vapers using disposables has increased nine-fold in the last two years. The measure comes as part of the Government’s response to the consultation on smoking and vaping (launched in October 2023).
September 2023: British pharmacy chain, Superdrug stops selling disposable vapes in the UK
British pharmacy chain, Superdrug will stop selling single-use vapes in the UK and Ireland after concerns about the environmental impact of the product5,6. Superdrug stopped all purchases of single-use vapes (including brands such as BAT’s Vuse Go) and aims to have its stock completely cleared by the end of 2023.
Nearly five million disposable vapes, many of which contain lithium-ion batteries, are thrown away every week in Britain. In addition, concerns have also been raised about the popularity of disposable vapes among the underage users. According to ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), 20.5% of children had tried vaping in the UK in 2023, up from 15.8% in 2022 and 13.9% before the Covid lock-down.
September 2023: Ireland will ban disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are set to be banned in Ireland in a crackdown that will also target flavors and advertising7. Meanwhile, BAT criticizes the Irish Government for “dragging its heels” on the underage vaping issue.
The UK is also planning to ban single-use/disposable vapes8 as the government concluded these products are overwhelmingly aimed at under-18s. The move comes after a series of calls from councils, leading pediatricians and public waste campaigners to make selling the disposable devices illegal on health and environmental grounds.
May 2023: France is considering to ban disposable e-cigarettes
France is weighing ban on disposable e-cigarettes9. Sweet and fruit-flavored single-use e-cigarettes (known as “puffs” in France) are sold for €8-12 (500 puffs)
February 2023: PMI launches VEEBA disposable vapes in the UK
PMI launches VEEBA (a disposable e-cigarette licensed from Kaival Brands) in the UK10. VEEBA retails at £4.99 and guarantees a nicotine level of 1.8% (20 mg/ml) with each production batch checked & certified for liquid composition and nicotine content.
The distant category leader, Elf Bar, apologizes after independent lab tests found that its 600s line contain 50+% more nicotine than legally allowed11 12. However, the top UK chains (including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, WH Smith, Morrisons and Asda) removes all or a range of Elf Bar products from sale
Meanwhile, “disposable vapes should be immediately banned in Britain”, ex-health minister demands and urges MPs to back her Disposable E-cigarettes (Prohibition of Sale) Bill13…as the ASH calls on the UK Government to introduce an excise tax for disposable e-cigarettes in the March Budget14.
February 2023: BAT calls on the US FDA
BAT calls on the US FDA to adopt a new enforcement policy directed at illegally marketed disposable e-cigarettes15.
January 2023: Scotland is considering to ban disposable e-cigarettes
A ban on disposable e-cigarettes is put under consideration in Scotland16.
November 2022: Environmental and health groups demands disposable vape ban in the UK
Environmental and health groups in the UK have issued a joint open letter to the government demanding a ban on the sale of single-use e-cigarettes17.
Meanwhile, Imperial Tobacco enters the UK disposable vape market with its new blu bar vape range18 – claiming that disposables are now accounting for the 70% of category sales in the UK.
October 2022: Ireland is planning to ban disposable vapes
The Irish Government announces its plan to ban disposable vapes due to littering19.
August 2022: Disposable vapes now make a third of the market in the US
Reuters reports that the disposable vapes have reached more than US$2 billion retail turnover in the US – corresponding to a third of the market (- up from 2%, just 3 years ago)20.
July 2022: PMI launches VEEBA disposable vapes in Canada
PMI launches VEEBA (“quality disposable vape at an ultra-low price”) in Canada following the international licensing agreement made with Kaival Brands21.
June 2022: US FDA grants marketing order to two NJOY disposable vapes
US FDA grants PMTA to 2 NJOY “traditional” disposable e-cigarettes (both tobacco-flavored).
May 2022: BAT launches Vuse Go disposable vape in the UK
BAT launches Vuse Go (disposable) in the UK in May
Background:
Modern disposables have been both the driver of category growth* and source of controversy over the past two years. Environmental concerns and popularity of the product among underage users are the two main points of debate surrounding the disposables. And the debate is progressively moving in a direction that some governments are already considering a total ban on the product.
* An extract from the BAT’s FY22 Earnings release: closed-system e-cigarette (re-chargeables and disposables) growth in the last 3 years in the top 5 markets (US, Canada, UK, France & Germany; 88% of the global closed-system retail turnover) can almost be fully attributable to the disposables
We expect the disposable e-cigarette bans (or alternative policies such as introduction of excise taxes, mandatory recycling programs, flavor restrictions, etc.) to become an universal phenomenon over the next 5 years as these products are now being “noticed”.
