Trading Standards

Statutory Guidelines On Disposable BBQs - withdrawn

The Government has engaged with relevant experts and stakeholders, including the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Met Office, and this has informed the decision to withdraw the statutory guidelines on disposable BBQs on the 22 October 2026. 

This means that businesses are no longer prohibited from supplying disposable BBQs, provided they continue to meet applicable product safety requirements.

Withdrawal of the guidelines does not change the need for people to exercise appropriate caution. As with any source of ignition used outdoors, including fireworks and garden incinerators, people should continue to use disposable BBQs responsibly, following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking account of any local conditions and fire safety advice.

The British Retail Consortium has produced voluntary guidelines to encourage retailers to educate consumers on safe use and disposal of disposable BBQs and prevent the spread of wildfires caused by them: BRC Updated Voluntary Guidelines for Disposable BBQs - 2026

Sale of Disposable Vapes Banned 

The sale of disposable vapes are now banned in England.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024 SI 2024 No. 1216  are now enacted. 

It is now illegal for businesses to sell, offer to sell or have in their possession for sale all single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes. This applies to:

• sales online and in shops
• all vapes whether or not they contain nicotine 

To access our Enforcement on the new legislation go to Guidance (pdf 401kb) 

If a vape is reusable, you’ll still be able sell it. For the national guidance go to: Gov.uk 

Tobacco and Vapes Act Related Guidance

On the 11 August 2026 DHSC published four pieces of guidance to support understanding of initial measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.  This guidance is mainly intended for retailers, who will need to understand the changes in the law. It may also be useful for wholesalers, business owners, enforcement authorities and people who use these products.

The measures will commence on 29 October 2026 and 1 January 2027. These are:

1. Selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-tobacco-herbal-smoking-products-and-cigarette-papers
2. Selling vaping and nicotine products Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-vaping-and-nicotine-products
3. Tobacco, vaping and nicotine products: fixed penalty notices Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tobacco-vaping-and-nicotine-products-fixed-penalty-notices
4. Tobacco and vaping product vending machine ban Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tobacco-and-vaping-product-vending-machine-ban

To access our Enforcement Guidance in respect of the new Fixed Penalty Notices see our Guidance (PDF, 489KB)