Single-use vapes could be banned in Scotland by April 2025

The sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland could be banned by 1 April next year.

It follows a UK-wide consultation last year, with the date agreed by the devolved governments and Westminster.

The draft legislation – which is open for consultation until 8 March – is being taken forward in Scotland using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The age limit for buying tobacco would also change under UK government plans.

Separate legislation has been introduced by each nation on banning the sale and supply of single-use vapes.

Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater said the Scottish government was committed to reducing vaping among non-smokers and young people as well as tackling their environmental impact.

She said: “The public consultation [Creating a Smoke-free Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping] demonstrated that there is strong support for tougher action on vaping.

“From causing fires in waste facilities to more than 26 million disposable vapes being consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the past year, single-use vapes are a threat to our environment as well as to our public health.

“These proposed changes to the law demonstrate our absolute commitment to further improve the wellbeing of communities and protecting our beautiful natural environment.”

If vapes are incorrectly disposed of, their batteries increase the risk of fires at waste centres and on collection vehicles.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of anti-smoking charity Ash Scotland, said the plans were a “major step forward”.

“We welcome the details being announced about the Scottish government’s banning of disposable recreational e-cigarettes, which are the product of choice for the majority of youngsters who vape,” she said.

“This is a major step forward towards halting the alarming huge upsurge of children and young people across Scotland vaping.”

In the past, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, has been used to ban other items such as microbeads, cotton buds and single-use plastics.

The Scottish government will also bring forward UK-wide plans to increase the age for purchasing tobacco, making it illegal for anyone born after 1 January 2009 to buy the product.

This will be brought forward through UK-wide legislation, with a legislative consent motion then needed in Scotland.

Smoking is responsible for more than 8,000 deaths a year in Scotland, and vapes are seen by many health professionals as a useful tool for helping adults quit.

But there has been mounting concern about the rapid rise of vaping among children, many of whom might never consider smoking.

Refillable, reusable vapes will remain available alongside other tools for smoking cessation, including nicotine patches and medication.

The laws will introduce new powers for local authorities to issue fixed penalty notices for those who breach the age of sale legislation for both tobacco products and vapes.

In June a Scottish government report found that 22% of all under-18s – around 78,000 – were believed to have used a vape last year, with more young people using them than smoking cigarettes.