As reported by Euwid, German Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has once again spoken out clearly in favour of a ban on disposable vapes and disposable e-cigarettes, describing this as his "very, very clear preference". He justifies his initiative with health, environmental and waste disposal problems: the disposable products contain permanently installed lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires and explosions if disposed of improperly in waste and recycling facilities, creating occupational and environmental risks.
Although a final ban has not yet been decided and legal issues (such as implementation at EU level) remain unresolved, political pressure is growing. The Bundestag, Bundesrat and waste disposal and environmental associations have long been calling for stronger measures against these disposable products.
At the same time, as part of the amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, an extended take-back obligation for e-cigarettes was decided upon, which is to apply from July 2026 – a deposit system is not planned at this stage.
International examples show that Belgium, France and the United Kingdom have already taken the lead with bans or sales stops for disposable vapes.
Euwid writes, since a further revision of the ElektroG is not realistic in the near future, also due to the upcoming amendment of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive at European level, the planned ban will probably be implemented by the Ministry of Health via a revision of the tobacco law. However, concrete plans for this have not yet been communicated.
VERE e.V. is critical of a health-related ban approach via tobacco legislation, as this would effectively ban all vaporisers. On 22 January 2026, the Bild newspaper also reported on a "complete ban on the entire e-cigarette product category through the back door" via Section 13 of the Tobacco Products Act.
Do you have to take back e-cigarettes? VERE e.V. recommends take-e-way as a comprehensive complete solution for e-cigarettes. This allows you to accept and dispose of all e-cigarettes properly. If you have any questions, take-e-way will be happy to help you via +49/40/750687-0 or at consulting@take-e-way.de.
Legal problems due to the sale of e-cigarettes? VERE e.V. members can contact their association via info@vereev.de. VERE has excellent contacts with experienced solicitors and will be happy to help you.
Not yet a VERE member? Become a VERE member now!
