British Convenience Store Association Launches E-cigarette Sales Guide

British Convenience Store Association launches e-cigarette sales guide

The UK Convenience Store Association has released guidelines for the legal sale of electronic cigarettes, aimed at helping retailers prepare for the one-time electronic cigarette ban that will take effect on June 1, 2025, ensuring compliant sales and avoiding fines.

According to a report by Convenience Store on November 18th, in order to assist retailers in addressing the issue of the disposable e-cigarette ban that will take effect from June 1st, 2025, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) in the UK has launched an expanded version of the 'Responsible Selling of Electronic Cigarettes' guidelines.

This guide was developed in collaboration between Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trade Standards, and convenience stores can use it to learn how to comply with the new regulatory requirements.

The new guidelines specify that from June 1, 2025, legally sold electronic cigarettes must be rechargeable and refillable, rather than disposable electronic cigarettes. After the ban takes effect, unsold disposable electronic cigarettes need to be properly handled.

After the ban takes effect, any merchant selling disposable electronic cigarettes will face a fixed fine of £ 200, and if the illegal behavior continues, further enforcement actions may be taken.

James Lowman, CEO of the Convenience Store Association, stated that,

The implementation of the ban will have a significant impact on thousands of retailers currently selling these products. We have created this guide to help retailers smoothly transition and ensure that they do not violate the law on June 1st

James also emphasized that retailers need to be prepared and communicate with customers about the impact of the ban to avoid potential conflicts.

The guide also details the responsibilities of retailers when recycling electronic cigarettes, including how to recycle, store used electronic cigarettes, arrange for regular collection, provide methods for identifying illegal products, offer advice on preventing sales to minors, and use the "Challenge 25" system to support employees.