The Environmental Protection Regulations 2024 includes legislation prohibiting the supply of single-use vapes, which the Welsh government said will be another step in tackling litter and plastic pollution.
Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said, “This is a major step forward in tackling throwaway culture and the environmental impacts of single-use vapes. This is a key priority for the Welsh government, and we continue to work with the other UK nations to address these challenges.
“Removing single-use vapes from the supply chain will stop them harming wildlife and the environment when they’re littered or sent to landfill. This ban will mean we generate less waste, clean up our streets, and protect nature and wildlife.”
The Welsh government has worked closely with the UK and other devolved governments, with all nations commencing the bans simultaneously. This will enable the bans to be coordinated to improve compliance and help provide a consistent approach to enforcement across the UK.
The regulations will come into force on June 1, 2025.