In Scotland, legislation is being developed to ban the sale and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes by April 1, 2025. The move follows a UK-wide consultation last year, resulting from an agreement between the devolved governments and Westminster. The legislation, which is currently open for public consultation until March 8, builds on powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The objective of this measure is twofold: to reduce vaping consumption among non-smokers and young people, while addressing the environmental impact of the waste generated by these products. Indeed, more than 26 million disposable e-cigarettes have been consumed and thrown away in Scotland over the past year, posing a risk not only to public health but also to the environment, including increasing the risk of fires in waste treatment facilities and collection vehicles due to the batteries they contain.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has highlighted the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of communities and protecting the natural environment. Sheila Duffy, chief executive of anti-smoking charity Ash Scotland, called the plans a “major step forward” to tackle the alarming rise in vaping among children and young people in Scotland.
At the same time, the Scottish Government also plans to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco, making it illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2009 to buy tobacco products. The measure is part of UK-wide legislation, requiring a motion for legislative consent in Scotland.
The move reflects growing concern about the growing popularity of vaping among young people, many of whom have never considered smoking before. Although rechargeable e-cigarettes remain available, as well as other smoking cessation tools such as nicotine patches and medications, the aim is clearly to limit access to disposable products which are particularly attractive young people.
A Scottish Government report in June found that 22% of under-18s, or around 78 young people, had used an e-cigarette in the last year, with use more widespread than traditional cigarettes among this age group. .
The move is part of a series of previous actions using the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 to ban items like microbeads, cotton swabs and single-use plastics, underscoring the continued commitment of the 'Scotland towards public health and environmental protection…
