Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
I am pleased to confirm that I will be introducing The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 to prohibit the supply (including for free) of single-use vapes in Wales.
Introducing these Regulations will be another crucial step in tackling litter and plastic pollution which blight our environment. It will reduce the amount of waste we generate, protecting our communities, wildlife and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
Since my last statement on 22 April, we have continued developing the policy on a UK-wide basis. In July, we sought comments on our draft Regulations and following feedback, we have made minor amendments to the Regulations. We have also continued to engage with stakeholders to help inform our Regulatory Impact Assessment and Integrated Impact Assessments.
I can now confirm the coming into force of 1 June 2025. The Welsh Government has worked closely with UK Government and other Devolved Governments on this matter and anticipate aligning our coming into force dates. This will enable the bans to be implemented in a co-ordinated manner to ensure high levels of compliance and consistent approach to enforcement across the UK.
Action to tackle the environmental and social impacts of single-use vapes is a key priority for the Welsh Government and we continue to work with the other UK nations to address these challenges.