The UK Disposable Vape Ban
Yes, it’s confirmed, disposable vapes are being banned for the whole of the UK commencing on the 1st of June 2025. This doesn’t come as a surprise since we’ve been hearing about a ban since last October when it was first proposed to parliament. We’ve decided to make an updated blog since the government have released the definite disposable vape ban in June ’25. The ban has stemmed from the Government’s worry on the environmental impact of disposable vapes, as well as the growing number of underage children found with disposable vapes. Retailers can not sell or hold and disposable vape products on or after the 1st of June 2025, meaning the UK has a short amount of time to prepare.
The forthcoming disposable vape ban doesn’t mean you should panic though, as there are lots of alternatives readily available for you to choose from. You don’t have to worry about missing out on your favourite flavours or discrete devices as large disposable vape brands already make their own reusable vapes and e-liquid. Like any ban or regulation set in the UK, manufactures usually find loopholes and other ways around it, so we predict that new and interesting products will be the result of the impending ban. We may even see a change in many of the disposable vape products we know now in order for them to comply with the new rules.
What are the regulations of the ban?
The words “disposable vape” comes with loose connotations these days. Lots of disposable vapes now feature a rechargeable battery or refillable pods. It can be tricky in deciphering which vapes are technically disposable in the eyes of the Government. In short, if you can’t change the coil/pod and recharge the device, it will be banned. The Government have explained it like this in their new article released 20th January 2025:
“For a vape to be considered reusable, it must be both:
- rechargeable
- refillable
A vape is not considered reusable, if it is:
- rechargeable but not refillable
- refillable but not rechargeable
A vape is not considered rechargeable if it has a:
- battery you cannot recharge
- coil you cannot buy separately and easily replace”
Basically, if you cannot refill the pod, or pre-filled pods are not readily available for the device, it’s considered a disposable. If you cannot charge the device through a USB port or rechargeable external battery then the device is considered a disposable. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, pre-filled pods that can be replaced are not considered a disposable vape. This means that even if you can’t refill the container physically with a 10ml juice bottle, it will be safe under the ban as long as the pods can be purchased separately and the device can be recharged.
Alternative - Pre-Filled Pod Kits
Pre-filled pod kits are defined by a rechargeable device that utilises pods that are pre-filled with e-liquid out of the packet. You don’t need to refill these pods with juice, or individually change their coil. Once the pod has run out of juice, it needs to be discarded. As the device can be recharged and the pre-filled pods are readily available, these types of kits will not be banned in June.
Pre-Filled Pod Kits vs Disposable Vapes
Pre-filled pod kits come in many different shapes, with many different brands inventing ways to improve the experience over each generation of vape kit. There are similarities and differences between pre-filled pod kits and disposables, with some brands offering a more similar experience like the Elfa Pro, while some brands offer a more unique experience like the Riot Connex. As pre-filled pod kits can be recharged, they will last a lot longer than disposable vapes, allowing you to vape every drop of liquid. Most pre-filled pods feature a 20mg nicotine strength (2%) which is the same as the majority of the disposable vapes on the market now. The great thing about pre-filled pods is that some brands offer lower nicotine strengths, like 10mg. You can read a more in depth explanation on the differences between disposable vapes and pre-filled pods here.
Popular Pre-Filled Pod Kits
Depending on which disposable vape you currently use, the pre-filled pod kit that suits you best will differ. Here’s a handy table that finds the best pre-filled pod comparison depending on which disposable vape you’re currently using.
|
Current Disposable |
Best Pre-Filled Alternative(s) |
|
SKE Crystal 4-in-1 Pre-filled Pod Kit |
|
|
Elf Bar 600 |
|
|
PIXL Duo 12 Pre-filled Pod Kit SKE Crystal 4-in-1 Pre-filled Pod Kit |
|
|
Lost Mary Tappo Pre-filled Pod Kit Riot Connex Pre-filled Pod Kit |
|
|
SKE Crystal 4-in-1 Pre-filled Pod Kit PIXL Duo 12 Pre-filled Pod Kit |
|
|
PIXL Duo 12 Pre-filled Pod Kit |
Pre-filled pod kits are just one alternative to disposable vapes, there are also refillable, rechargeable vapes that offer a great experience with a lower price tag. In the long run, you’ll save money when switching to refillable kits compared to disposable vapes or pre-filled pods.
Alternative - Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable kits feature a rechargeable battery that can be recharged via a USB port located somewhere on the device. They can be refilled with your own vape juice which is usually available in 10ml, 50ml, or 100ml bottles. Refillable vapes feature a replaceable pod containing a built-in coil, or a singular replaceable coil paired with an empty pod. There are many starter kits that feel similar to disposable vapes, having a similar build and size. You may decide to first use a pre-filled pod kit and then transition over to a refillable kit once you want to reduce your nicotine, have a bigger battery, or just upgrade your experience.
Refillable Kits vs Disposable Vapes
Although refillable kits may seem utterly confusing compared to disposable vapes, they’re actually extremely similar and only require a small amount of maintenance to be kept up and running. Some disposable vapes currently on the market (think the PIXL 6000) even require a similar amount of maintenance. Brands are always upgrading and re-designing vapes and pod kits, making them more efficient and tastier, making them easier to use and increasing their lifespan. Starter vape kits come in an array of shapes and sizes, with hundreds of colours and styles to choose from. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which vape to choose, that's why we've created a helpful chart that can recommend the best kit for you depending on your needs and budget.
Popular Refillable Vape Kits
As there are so many brands and types of refillable vape kit, we've decided to pick 5 of our top starter kits to explain and explore, as to not overwhelm the choices. Each of these refillable vapes are perfect for beginners as they're similar enough to disposable vapes that you should find the transition seamless. As an added bonus, each of the 5 kits mentioned come supplied with a free bottle of juice to get you started on your refillable vape journey. Depending on your vaping expertise and which disposable vape you're currently using, the 'best' refillable vape kit will differ.
| Aspire Gotek X - £9.99 |
|
| Vaporesso Xros 4 Mini - £19.95 |
|
| Oxva Xlim Pro 2 - £22.99 |
|
| Vaporesso Xros 4 - £24.99 |
|
| Vaporesso Luxe X2 - £29.99 |
|
We've only shortly summed up each vape kit on the list, clicking on the vape will bring up more information, as well as the recommended e-liquid for each one.
What about the flavour?
As well as being really convenient, disposable vapes gained a lot of popularity because of their ultra strong flavours. These flavours are without a doubt one of the reasons that people stuck with disposable vapes instead of moving over to pre-filled pods or refillable kits. Lots of disposable vape manufacturers clocked on that people were loving their flavours, and with many people switching to refillable kits due to affordability and environmental impact, they decided to create 10ml nic salts using their beloved flavours. As nearly all disposable vapes contain nic salt, it was an easy move for many people. If you're stumped for choice when picking a juice for your refillable kit, then take a look at some of our disposable flavoured e-liquid, also known as bar-style juice.
Elf Bar = Elfliq
Elf Bar's disposable vapes feature an extensive array of flavours, with most being fruity. They have made 34 flavours in their nic salt range, with new flavours being released consistently. The great things about Elfliq nic salts are the variety of flavours and nicotine strengths available. You can choose between 20mg, 10mg, and even 5mg of nicotine. This makes Elfliq a great choice for gradually reducing your nicotine intake. With all the famous Elf Bar flavours featured, you'll have no issue transitioning away from disposable vapes with Elfliq.
Lost Mary = Maryliq
Lost Mary are a popular disposable vape brand owned by Elf Bar. Their Lost Mary BM600 vapes grew the disposable market, with many people using them to quit smoking. Lost Mary's flavours have always been incredibly popular with many people saying they're the best disposable vape flavours currently on the market. Many of the Lost Mary flavours are featured in the Maryliq range, with all the flavours offering the choice of 10mg or 20mg of nicotine.
Elux Legend = Elux Salts
Elux Legend disposables weren't always the best seller, however they did garner a huge following due to their incredibly strong and sweet flavours. The Elux Legend 3500 vape was arguably the most popular big puff vape for its time. Elux are known for having super strong flavours which is something they've brought across into their nic salt range. Their nic salts are available in 10mg and 20mg nicotine strengths, with new flavours being released every so often. As a bonus, they've released their Firerose disposable range as it's own nic salt range, the Firerose 5000 nic salts.
So, What Do I Do?
The 2025 UK disposable vape ban may seem a while away, however it's best to be prepared early. If you are still using disposable vapes, it's best to try the above suggestions while still using a disposable vape. This way if you're not a fan of a certain pre-filled pod kit or refillable kit, you can rely on your disposable vape. In the end, you don't want to return to smoking cigarettes. You can read more about vape kits on each of our products, or browse through some of our blogs in order to help you understand how they work and the full estimated cost. The banning of disposable vapes is not the end of the vaping industry, and the fact that the NHS recommend vaping as a harm reduction tool just means that as a nation, we will have to be more environmentally conscious on how we vape.
