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Seized disposable vapes

Almost 1,300 illegal vapes seized in Barking and Dagenham following introduction of new rule

Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards has seized almost 1,300 illegal vapes from local retailers in the two weeks following the introduction of a nationwide ban on single-use vapes, which came into effect on 1 June 2025.

The new legislation prohibits the sale of disposable vapes, allowing only those that are rechargeable, refillable, and equipped with replaceable coils. Retailers are required to immediately remove all single-use vapes from sale and display to comply with the law.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Our Trading Standards team remains fully committed to tackling the sale of illegal vapes across Barking and Dagenham. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any business that continues to flout the law and put public health and safety at risk.”

Retailers found in breach of the new regulations may face fixed penalty notices, prosecutions, and even closure orders. In addition to the health risks posed by unregulated vape products, single-use vapes are a growing environmental concern due to their contribution to electronic waste.

All vape retailers and distributors must also adhere to strict environmental and safety regulations, including:

  • Take-back Scheme: Retailers must offer a service allowing customers to return used vapes, pods, coils, and batteries for safe recycling.
  • Waste Disposal Contracts: Businesses must have valid contracts in place for the collection and recycling of vape-related waste.
  • Fire Safety Compliance: Improper storage or disposal of vapes poses a fire hazard. Used vapes must be stored in dedicated bins and collected regularly by authorised waste contractors.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) may take enforcement action against businesses that fail to comply with these requirements.

If residents have information about businesses or individuals selling or storing illicit tobacco, shisha, or vapes within Barking and Dagenham, they should report it confidentially to tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk