Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards have confiscated dozens of illegal disposable vapes still being sold in local shops — despite a nationwide ban that came into force on 1 June 2025.
Acting on intelligence, officers visited two premises in the area and discovered 67 single-use vapes on sale. The businesses voluntarily surrendered the items, which will now be safely disposed of in line with environmental regulations.
The ban, introduced under the Environmental Protection (Single Use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024, is part of a wider UK effort to reduce environmental harm and protect children from underage vaping. Disposable vapes are considered non-compliant if they are not refillable or rechargeable, or if their coils and pods cannot be easily replaced.
“The ban on disposable vapes is there to protect the public and the environment and has been well publicised,” said Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing. “Disposable vapes are a significant problem, as they contain hazardous materials which are difficult to safely dispose of and because they are frequently purchased by under-18s.”
The businesses involved will receive formal warning letters, with potential penalties including fixed fines or prosecution if found selling banned products again.
Residents with concerns about illegal vape sales or underage purchases are urged to contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh speakers), or email tsd@npt.gov.uk.
