Germany is taking a significant step towards prohibiting disposable vapes after the Bundestag (German federal parliament) formally requested the government to legally examine whether single-use vape products can be completely removed from the market. The move is primarily driven by mounting criticism over the electronic waste and resource depletion caused by these devices.
Disposable e-cigarettes, often featuring colorful designs and popular with younger consumers, are designed to be discarded after a few hundred puffs. They cannot be refilled or recharged, and their integrated electronic components and batteries frequently end up in general waste. Proponents of a ban argue these devices are an avoidable waste of resources, pointing to fires caused in disposal facilities by improperly discarded vapes. They also highlight the loss of valuable raw materials like lithium and copper.
This action follows similar bans already in place in other EU countries like France and Belgium. In addition to the potential ban, the German parliament has also decided that all e-cigarettes (both disposable and reusable) must be returnable at any point of sale, though a deposit system is not planned.
The e-cigarette market in Germany is substantial, with an estimated annual turnover of around 2.4 billion euros, of which disposable products account for about 10%. Industry representatives have voiced criticism, fearing a sales ban could strengthen the black market, which is already difficult to control. They also point to an upcoming EU battery regulation in 2027, which will require easily replaceable batteries and may naturally phase out current disposable models. However, environmental associations maintain that a clear and immediate ban is necessary.
