New Welsh Regulations Target Single-Use Vapes to Protect the Environment

Date of Implementation: June 19, 2025

The Welsh Government has taken a significant step in its environmental conservation efforts by introducing the Environment Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2025. This amendment builds upon the previous 2024 regulations, aimed at tackling the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

Key Details:

• Objective: The regulations aim to prevent environmental pollution and protect animal health by banning the supply of single-use vapes across Wales.

• Enforcement Powers: The new amendment modifies regulation 10, enhancing the authority of enforcement officers. They are now empowered to seize single-use vapes and their components from any premises. This includes the authority to keep them in custody to ensure compliance with further directives issued by Welsh Ministers under regulation 12.

• Ministerial Powers: Regulation 12 grants Welsh Ministers the power to classify specific single-use vapes as waste, facilitating better waste management practices.

• Regulatory Impact Assessment: A thorough assessment of the regulatory impact, including potential costs and benefits, has been conducted. This assessment ensures that the regulations are both effective and economically viable. Copies are available from the Welsh Government offices in Cardiff.

Background:

The regulations were crafted using powers granted by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Welsh Ministers deemed the regulations necessary to prevent pollution and protect animal health. The regulatory process included public notifications and consideration of comments as mandated by the Act.

Implementation and Naming:

The regulations, officially named the Environment Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, will come into force on June 19, 2025.

Official Signatory:

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, signed the regulations on June 17, 2025.

These steps represent a proactive approach by the Welsh Government to address environmental concerns associated with the increasing use of disposable vape products. By targeting the source of waste and pollution, these regulations are a vital part of Wales's broader environmental protection strategy.