Disposable Vapes are Getting Banned in Increasing Countries

Disposable vapes are initially marked as a way to help long-term smokers quit smoking, while they end up leading to nicotine addiction in the new generation due to their attractive designs and various enticing flavors.?

Nowadays, the surging popularity of vapes, especially among children and teenagers, has created a regulatory headache for governments around the world. More and more countries are taking action to curb the crazy development of vapes.

Australia:?

Australia's ban on imports of all single-use vapes will start from January 1, 2024, the government announced on November 28, 2023, citing concerns about young people becoming addicted to nicotine. The ban contains all non-therapeutic (recreational) vapes, while importers of vapes for medical purposes will need a permit from the Office of Drug Control.?

Additionally, therapeutic vapes will be restricted from using flavors, have limited nicotine concentrations, and be sold in plain pharmaceutical packaging under new rules to be introduced by March 1, 2024. For now, there is a transition period for manufacturers to adjust to the new requirements.?

New Zealand:

New Zealand, known for its strict anti-tobacco guidelines, has implemented effective curbs on disposable vapes since August this year.

The country has cracked down on vaping with a new set of rules to protect young people, like a lower level of nicotine, duller flavor names, and an interdiction to open vape shops in the vicinity of schools.

UK:

In the UK, voices are increasingly calling for a ban, to help protect young people from becoming addicted and attach the importance to environment. However, thus far the plans haven't been officially released.?

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) regulates all vaping-related products to protect consumer well-being. The requirements for single-use vapes to enter the UK and European markets are such as nicotine strength: 20mg max, e-liquid capacity: 2ml max, etc.

USA:

In the USA, different states have implemented varying restrictions on vapes, including statewide bans. The FDA has declared disposable e-cigarettes illegal. Companies seeking to sell e-cigarettes in the USA. are required to first seek permission from the FDA. Only tobacco-flavored vapes are authorized to be sold to adult smokers.?

At present, the country has banned the import of popular vape products like JUUL or Elf Bar — though manufacturers have been able to circumvent the restrictions by rebranding themselves or figure out other ways to skip the FAD procedure.?

Netherlands:

It's reported that in the Netherlands, the production of flavored e-cigarettes and refillable e-liquids was banned from July 1, 2023. On January 1, 2024, the ban on all vapes containing flavors, such as strawberry, mango or mojito, etc will take place in the country.

During the transitional period, vape shops can sell their stock. Starting from the New Year, only tobacco flavors are allowed. That way, children and young people can not encouraged to take up vaping. Smokers can still use e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking.?

Saudi Arabia:

Since late November this year (2023), the government began to ban 50mg nicotine vapes and e-liquids on the market. All vapes entering Saudi Arabia are required to have official purchase invoices indicating the company you ordered from and value-added taxes (VAT). If not, they will destroy the products. Much worse, the shop retailers and those selling the products will get heavily fined once getting caught. The strict campaign is still on the go. Many shop retailers are going through a hard time.

Why banning the disposable vapes?

There are two reasons for the campaign against disposable vapes: environmental impact and public health concerns.?

Regarding the environmental concerns about disposable e-cigarettes, there are two points. Firstly, disposable vapes contribute to litter. Recent research by Material Focus has found that up to 5 million single-use vapes are being thrown away every week. Each of these devices contains a number of valuable materials that are senselessly going to landfills or polluting the environment. Secondly, they waste resources, such as plastic and lithium. The amount of lithium discarded in disposable vapes every year is said to be enough to build 1,200 car batteries.

On the other hand, when it comes to public concerns, compared to refillable devices, disposable vapes are easier and more convenient to use. They are pre-filled with e-liquid and draw-activated. Just remove the package, and then you can start vaping. Most vapes on the market are flavored in a way or designed in different misleading exotic shapes, which can deliberately attract young people. Even if you are not a smoker, or you are underage, the fruity flavors and bright colors can make you want to try them out.