New Vape Category Under WEEE Regulations

The WEEE Regulations have now been updated to create a separate category for vapes, category 7.1. This covers vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. These items, previously grouped within broader small appliance categories, will now be separately reported and collected under the WEEE regulations.

This means:

• Producers must report the weight of vapes placed on the UK market in the new category.

• DEFRA will use this data to set collection targets from 2026.

• Producers will cover the full cost of recycling and treatment.

• Online marketplaces selling vapes from overseas suppliers are also classed as producers—meaning they must join compliance schemes, pay registration fees, and report data.

The intention of this new category is so there is fairer balance of responsibility between retailers and producers. The press release from the UK Government can be found here.