Disposable vapes will be outlawed from Saturday 31 January in a bid to stop the harm they cause to people and the environment.
The UK, Jersey and Guernsey have all introduced a ban on disposable vapes and this weekend it takes full effect in the islands.
After the close of business on Saturday 31 January it will be illegal for shops to sell them.
It means no one is legally allowed to buy them online and get them posted, as Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, says checks will be made:
"Customs will be checking and will be able to seize any disposable vapes that are imported."
This ban does not apply to refillable vapes.
Experts say vaping can be an effective aid to stopping smoking but the disposable variety have evolved to be tempting to youngsters, with bright colours and exotic fruit flavours.
Dr Brink says they still contain the addictive substance nicotine and that brings with it withdrawal problems when people try to quit.
She says they are known to irritate the lungs but their long term health effects are unknown:
"Banning disposable vapes represents an important step in protecting the health of children and young people.
"This action, alongside the forthcoming restrictions on advertising due to come into force (in Guernsey) from 31 March 2026, addresses growing concerns about the targeted marketing of vaping products to young people.
"These measures will help reduce the appeal and accessibility of vapes to children and support our wider efforts to create a healthier environment for children and young people.”
Dr Brink says vapes thrown in the bin can be a fire hazard because of their batteries which can ignite. Numerous small fires are recorded each year at the islands' waste depots, often caused by batteries.
Dr Brink says they also cause environmental damage:
"These batteries can leach chemicals into the soil and water and of course affect that.
"In addition to that, wildlife can ingest part of the vapes."
Convenience stores in Guernsey have told us they are running down stocks, while retailers in Jersey have until Sunday to sell existing stocks of single-use vapes as a six month sell-through period ends.
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